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What Does the Bible Say About Revenge?

Scripture reveals that God reserves justice for Himself, and His followers are called to release the right to retaliate and trust Him with wrongs done against them.

Scripture on Revenge

Romans 12:19 New Testament
"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."
Proverbs 20:22 Old Testament
"Do not say, 'I'll pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you."
Leviticus 19:18 Old Testament
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."
Matthew 5:38-39 New Testament
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
1 Peter 3:9 New Testament
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
The Bottom Line
Revenge belongs to God alone—your freedom comes from letting Him have it.
Try Today

Name one person who has wronged you. Instead of rehearsing what you'd like to say to them, pray once—specifically—that God would bring justice and that you would be freed from bitterness by morning.

Prayer

Jesus invites us to bring our anger and hurt to the Father, knowing He is perfectly just (Matthew 11:28).

Father, I'm angry. Someone hurt me, and part of me wants them to hurt the way I hurt. But You say that justice is Yours, not mine. I don't trust easily, and I'm not sure I can let this go—but I'm asking You to take it from me. Show me what it looks like to forgive without excusing what they did. Protect my heart from bitterness while I wait for Your justice. Help me believe that You see what I see, and that You care more about what's right than I ever could. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Read Psalm 94 — a raw prayer about injustice, and how even the psalmist returns to trusting God's judgment.

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