Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.
Romans 12:19
One of my most irritating traits, when I see someone struggling with a I.T. issue, is to say "let me do, it"! My nearest and nearest often chides me about it saying: "You don't let me learn to do it myself" - how true, bless him.
However, there are times when we shouldn't take matters into our own hands. In particular, the Bible is very strong about not taking revenge.
Yes, in the Old Testament, you can find verses saying "an eye for an eye" for example Exodus 21:24. Yet Jesus gave an update on this in His Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew 5:38-41“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
How very "upside down, wrong way around" do the ways of God seem to our emotions.
There's something extremely gratifying about getting our own back in situations.
How many Hollywood movies are based on the hero planning a revenge on the baddies.
In the real world though, for believers, it's extremely hard to step to one side and let God sort things out.
Yet He is the only one who can rightly say: "Let ME do it"!
How wonderful to be given the grace of Joseph, when he had ample opportunities to take revenge on his brothers - after they sold him into slavery and mocked up his death to Jacob:
Genesis 50:19-21
But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.
If you are faced with undeserved opposition, perhaps, even from a close friend or family member. Take it on the chin. They may well have meant it for evil, but God will turn it around for good. He has something greater in mind and will make it up to you as you leave it in His hands.
Prayer
Father God, thank you that you take care of issues which seem so unfair and dreadful! Others may mean it for evil, but You have a way of turning the tables around. Praise Your Holy Name. Help me to let You deal with it!
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