Vengeance

<<revenge>>

A natural reaction of the human nature is to retaliate for hurt or harm inflicted on us, yet Joseph’s response to his brothers who had badly mistreated him was, “I’m not God, it’s not my place to get even, but to forgive” (Gen 50:19-21).

“Vengeance is mine, I will repay says God” (Deut 32:35; Rom 12:19,20; 2 Thes 1:6,7). The Lord will pay wrongdoers back for the evil they do (2 Tim 4:14). He does not punish out of anger or retribution, rather He disciplines with the intention that wayward humanity repents and changes their behaviour, bringing about a restoration of fellowship with God. While there may be limited divine judgement on earth yet the completeness and totality of the punishment for the enemies of God will come at the end of the age when God judges the world in righteousness and justice (Isa 61:2; Rev 20:11-13).

As this is God’s business, we must not interfere, because we don’t know all the factors and are not qualified or authorised to administer such responsibility (Ezek 25:15-17). Rather we are to act in a loving way – this includes praying for, and blessing those who

We are to pray for, not pay back

cause us problems, living out the ‘golden rule’ and conquering evil by love (Prov 24:29; Lk 6:27-31; Rom 12:14,21; 1 Pet 3:9). Our part is to forgive, not to hold an offence against another.