“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Romans 12:19
God has given us many good gifts. Gifts of health, food, work, friends, and especially the gift of Himself. His gifts to us overflow in abundance, meeting our needs far more than we realize. There are two things, however, that God has not given us.
One is vengeance. God says in so many words, “Vengeance belongs to me and me alone.” He is reminding us to keep hands off when it comes to backbiting or evening the score. You may say that vengeance is sweet, but God says, “Vengeance is mine.”
God has good reasons for warning you against getting even or retaliating against a friend. He knows that revenge can too easily infect you with anger, resentment, or a spirit of bitterness. He also wants you to know that it is not your place to judge and condemn another person. Leave judgment to God.
How wonderful to think, though, that one day on the other side of eternity, we who are saints will judge the world with the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:2). Until that time, leave in God’s hands what is rightfully His. Vengeance is the Lord’s, not yours.
Judge of all the world, I am so grateful that You have given to me so many beautiful gifts — all things are mine, and I acknowledge that I have enough. I do not want a spirit of revenge, for vengeance is Yours and Yours alone. Forgive me for retaliating against people around me. I leave judgment to You until that day when You will invite all the saints to judge the world in righteousness and truth.
