Leviticus 19:18 (KJV)
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
This verse calls us to rise above petty grievances and the desire for revenge, urging us instead to cultivate a heart of compassion and empathy. Revenge is a violent action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. Whenever evil is deliberately inflicted upon someone, the instinctual response is often to seek revenge, especially when the victim has the power to retaliate against the offender. However, the principles of God’s Kingdom firmly establish that responding to evil with further harm is not the correct path. Retaliation, whether immediate or delayed, only contributes to a cycle of wrongdoing. Attempting to seek vengeance is essentially trying to assume God’s role and the consequences of such actions are significant. By entrusting matters to God and patiently awaiting His judgment, we exemplify true faith and demonstrate our steadfast trust in His wisdom rather than relying solely on our capabilities. It is written in Romans 12:19, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” The Almighty God wants us to see vengeance or revenge as His exclusive responsibility and not for us to repay evil with evil. 2 Thessalonians 1:6 says, “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;” No one can avenge like our God!
The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ has clearly shown us that retaliation for wrongs done to us is not the path we should take. To truly follow Jesus Christ, we must be ready to die daily to the desires of the flesh, which naturally seeks revenge when hurt. The flesh will often harbor feelings of resentment from past injuries or insults. However, as devoted disciples of Christ, we are called to a higher standard: to love. The love of God has been generously poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. This is why we must love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute us. In doing so, we reflect our identity as sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven. He shows no partiality, allowing His sun to shine on both the evil and the good and providing rain for the just and the unjust alike. Thus, we are called to strive for perfection, just as our Father in Heaven is perfect. This means loving others unconditionally, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit, we will not give in to the desires of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit manifests as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against such qualities. Those who belong to Christ have indeed crucified the flesh along with its passions and desires. Let us embrace this truth and live boldly in the Spirit!
Beloved, resist the desire to retaliate, but allow God to judge your enemies. Let go of any grudges and show love and kindness to everyone you encounter. Love and forgive those who hate you and live peacefully with all men. Make a conscious effort to forgive, understanding that forgiveness is as much a gift to yourself as it is to the offender. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for people have ended up in prison just because they could not control that anger. Wait cheerfully and rest in the Lord, for one day, the cup of your enemies will be full. Remain faithful, knowing full well that when God is ready to avenge you of your enemies, you will seek them and find them no more. Do not be blinded by bitterness and anger that you overlook the interest of our Savior Jesus Christ. Neither should grudge or prejudice against people influence you into preventing them from making peace with God by accepting Christ. Today, treat others well and embody the principle of loving your neighbor as yourself. Remember, God will judge your enemies according to the work of their hands, and He will give them sorrow of heart until they are completely destroyed.
O Lord, flood my heart with Your peace and help me to love unconditionally in Jesus’ Name.