Trusting God with Revenge

Trusting God with Revenge
By Pastor Alexander Redd
September 12, 2023

"Vengeance is mine, I will repay." (Romans 12:19)

As believers in Christ, we face numerous challenges that test our faith and character. One of these challenges is the command to let go of seeking revenge and entrust it to God instead. In Romans 12:19, we are reminded never to take matters into our own hands but rather leave it to God, as He says, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay."

I smile when I meet people who say unpleasant things about me, and they think I am not aware, but I maintain a positive demeanor when I interact with them. Naturally, when someone wrongs us, we are urged to seek justice. Our instincts push us to retaliate and inflict the same pain on those who have harmed us. Christians are called to forgive and seek a higher perspective above revenge. When faced with injustice, we must remember that God is the ultimate judge.

God sees every offense committed against us and promises to bring justice in His perfect timing. By entrusting revenge to God, we acknowledge His authority and ability to handle every situation justly and mercifully. Letting go of revenge requires us to cultivate a heart of forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn't mean excusing the wrongdoing or downplaying its impact. Instead, it liberates us from bitterness and anger. It empowers us to extend the same grace we have received from God. When we choose to forgive, we open the door for healing, restoration, and reconciliation, as stated in Matthew 6:14. Leaving revenge to God is an act of surrender.

This act acknowledges that we are not in control of the outcomes and that God's ways surpass our own. By surrendering to God, we trust His wisdom, justice, and perfect timing. We let go of the need to take matters into our own hands, recognizing that God's plan far exceeds our limited understanding. Embracing the Christian reality of leaving revenge to God is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our faith.

It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love in our lives. When we respond to harm with grace and forgiveness, we reflect the character of Jesus to a world that desperately needs His redemptive love. Our actions become a testimony that speaks louder than words. Choosing to leave revenge to God may seem counterintuitive in a world that encourages seeking justice for ourselves and retaliating. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently.

By embracing the practical reality of Romans 12:19, we demonstrate our trust in God's justice, our commitment to forgiveness, and our willingness to surrender control. In doing so, we experience personal freedom and become beacons of hope and agents of reconciliation in a broken world. Let us continually rely on God's strength and guidance as we experience the challenges of leaving revenge in God's capable hands.