http://crossroads.ca/life-resources/topical/vengeance/vengeance http://crossroads.ca/life-resources/topical/vengeance/vengeance/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). http://crossroads.ca/life-resources/topical/vengeance/vengeance/what-scripture-says Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:32:07 -0500 http://crossroads.ca/life-resources/topical/vengeance/vengeance/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). http://crossroads.ca/life-resources/topical/vengeance/vengeance/how-to-overcome Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:32:07 -0500 http://crossroads.ca/life-resources/topical/vengeance/vengeance/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. http://crossroads.ca/life-resources/topical/vengeance/vengeance/as-you-pray Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:32:07 -0500 http://crossroads.ca/life-resources/topical/vengeance/vengeance/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 Additional ministry brochures are available upon request or via these links: FORGIVENESS, THE FULL COUNSEL OF GOD, HUMILITY, JUDGMENTAL/CRITICAL, and LOVE. http://crossroads.ca/life-resources/topical/vengeance/vengeance/suggested-reading Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:52:09 -0500