Scripture consistently urges us to leave revenge to God, and instead respond to evil with blessing and forgiveness.
Scripture on Revenge
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."
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."
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."
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."
Deuteronomy 32:35
Old Testament
"It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."
The Bottom Line
True justice comes not from our own vengeance, but from trusting God to rightly judge and restore.
Try Today
Make a list of people who have wronged you, and pray for God to bless them instead of seeking revenge.
Prayer
As Jesus taught us, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' (Matthew 5:44).
Father, it's so hard when I've been hurt or wronged. I want to pay them back and see them suffer. But I know that true justice and restoration can only come from You. Help me to trust You, to leave vengeance in Your hands, and to respond with blessing instead of retaliation. Give me the strength to pray for those who have hurt me, that You would work in their lives. I surrender my desire for revenge, and ask that You would bring healing and renewal. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Romans 12, where Paul unpacks how Christians should respond to evil and live at peace with all people.
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