DO NOT SEEK REVENGE — LEAVE IT TO GOD

Why should we refrain from taking revenge?

Because vengeance is not ours to take — it belongs to the Lord. God, in His perfect justice, reserves the right to repay wrongdoing in His own time and manner. Seeking personal revenge usurps God’s role as judge and risks hardening our hearts in sin.

Romans 12:19-21 (ESV)

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’

To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Paul here is quoting Deuteronomy 32:35, reminding believers that God is not indifferent to injustice. He is patient, but He will act righteously in due time. Revenge, when taken into human hands, often leads to greater evil and division. It corrupts the heart, fosters pride, and opens the door for Satan to manipulate bitterness.

Biblical Foundation: God’s Mercy and Justice in Cain’s Story

In Genesis 4, we see a divine example of God handling judgment. When Cain murdered Abel, God confronted him and pronounced a curse — but He did not take Cain’s life. Instead, God set a mark on Cain as a protective sign, forbidding others from retaliating.

Genesis 4:15 (ESV)

Then the Lord said to him, ‘Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.’ And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.

This shows that even in judgment, God extended mercy. He protected Cain from further violence — illustrating that God alone determines the limits and execution of justice.

Jesus’ Teaching: Radical Forgiveness

Jesus expanded this truth in the Sermon on the Mount, calling His followers not only to avoid revenge but to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.

Matthew 5:38-39, 44 (ESV)

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

..But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

This is not weakness but strength under control — a reflection of God’s own character. As God is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8), so we too are called to demonstrate grace in the face of offense.

The Dangers of Rejoicing in a Fall

Revenge is not always physical — sometimes it’s emotional or passive. But Scripture even warns us not to rejoice when our enemy falls, lest God turn His discipline away from them.

Proverbs 24:17–18 (ESV)

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.

The True Christian Response to Injustice

Instead of harboring resentment or planning retaliation, we are called to:

Forgive from the heart (Matthew 18:21–22)

Bless those who curse us (Luke 6:28)

Trust God’s timing and righteousness (Psalm 37:7–9)

In doing this, we reflect the nature of Christ — who, even when wronged, did not retaliate:

1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

How to Overcome the Spirit of Revenge

1. Salvation through Christ

You must first be born again. Only through faith in Christ can we receive a new heart that desires what God desires.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV):

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2. Prayer and Fasting

A consistent life of prayer aligns your heart with God’s will and helps you crucify the flesh daily.

Galatians 5:16 (ESV):

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

3. Scripture Reading and Meditation

God’s Word renews our minds and transforms our hearts. It helps us respond to offense with truth and wisdom.

Romans 12:2 (ESV):

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…

One helpful reminder:

Ecclesiastes 7:21–22 (ESV):

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.

This teaches us humility — remembering that we, too, have failed others and need grace.

In Conclusion

When you resist the urge to seek revenge and instead forgive and pray, you not only release the offender — you free yourself. You become a vessel of God’s mercy rather than an agent of wrath.

Let God be the judge. Trust His justice. Walk in love and truth.