In the Old Testament, the statute of taking "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" was not a ticket for revenge, but a legal limit to prevent people in anger from going far beyond the boundaries. The New Testament is extremely clear in stating that all believers in Jesus, who have experienced the unmerited forgiveness and love of God, are not to seek vengeance. Good is to overcome evil, forgiveness is to bridge broken relationships, and love (even for an enemy) is to follow the pattern of our Lord and demonstrate to the world the newness of life in Christ (Matt. 5:38-48).
What Scripture Says
"You have heard that it was said, ’An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. You have heard that it was said, ’You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.... For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:38-48)."Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but, rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ’Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. ’Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:17-21).
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you. Therefore be followers of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma" (Eph. 4:31-5:2).
How To Overcome
If some hurt has caused you to want vengeance, explore the hurt openly rather than brooding over it in your heart. God can bring something good out of any experience; hurtful or not (Romans 8:28). Repent of your own sins, especially of hate and the desire for vengeance. Thank God for His love, patience and forgiveness so that you can also forgive. Ask God to forgive your offender (Mark 11:25). You will be freed from the hurt and desire for vengeance as you pray for and receive unconditional love for him/her. If you harbour hate and desire vengeance, you will find yourself in spiritual bondage, becoming more bitter, resentful and even physically ill. Hate (sin) has its own wage and will destroy you (Romans 6:23). To forgive is to be set free.Plan specific actions to encourage reconciliation and love, such as writing a letter, making an apology or showing kindness in place of vengeance. Where the offense was very personal, such as between husband and wife, you may need very specific help. Your local pastor or a Christian counsellor can help. Another option is to ask a Christian friend or Crossroads prayer partner to pray with you to help you overcome your vengefulness.
It is often easy to forgive, but difficult to forget. If vengeance resurfaces in your heart, pray that God will heal the memory of the offense. Also, you can remember an offense with forgiveness, even though it is difficult to forget completely.
A good habit to practice daily is this: at each thought of un-forgiveness, hatred, etc., confess and repent of it right away. Jesus died for those sins, therefore, they are forgiven when confessed. When you deal with sin immediately, you will be set free of its bondage and the resulting consequences. You will then live your life in greater joy and victory!
As You Pray
Offer thanks and praise when you are tempted to desire vengeance. God is able to use the situation to bring great blessing to all concerned (Eph. 5:20; 1 Thes. 5:18; Romans 8:28). Thank God for His total forgiveness and unearned love. Let Him know that you desire to forgive by praying: "Father, in the name of Jesus, I forgive______" (include the name of the person or persons who have caused the hurt). Then pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to replace bitterness, hate and the desire for vengeance with the fruit of the Spirit.Suggested Reading
Read The Renewed Mind by Larry Christianson and Telling Yourself The Truth by William Backus and Marie Chapian.Proverbs 6:34 Jealously repaid by God
Hebrews 10:30 Vengeance is for God
2 Timothy 1:7 Love and self-control replace fear
Galatians 5:23 Fruit of the Holy Spirit Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444
God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
