Revenge Doesn't Belong to You

Revenge In Power

One of the things we truly struggle with is seeking revenge on those whom we seem to have more power and/or intellect that. I remember when Former President Barack Obama was running for office and assumed the position of President, he was the target of many negative remarks, racial epithets, false narratives about his citizenship and many other things that no man especially the President of the United States should go through. As it pertains to revenge one of the most memorable quotes about the horrendous remarks her husband recieved came from his wife. So during a speech at the Democratic National Convention, she stated as we all remember, “when they go low, we go high”. To add to the fact that revenge is never the best plan we have to be mindful of who is watching us and really absorbing how we respond. Former First Lady Obama goes on to say with every word we utter, with every action we take, we know our kids are watching us.

Introducing the Text

Let us understand and be mindful that the author writes this in a manner to provide us with instructions on how our attitude should be to Non-Christians. Nonetheless we have no choice but to apply this toward our relationships with those inside the household of faith as well.

If nothing else our relationships should promote the idea of grace and mercy. So much so, this portion of text even begins with that foundation. Paul writes at the beginning of chapter 12, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

In life vindication means a lot to us. We desire to “show” folks they made a mistake by mistreating us. We like to express the blessing of doing better after a termination, break up, or mistreatment. Where we mess up is when vindication distracts our focus from the greatest vindicator known to man. Instead of focusing on showing the person or people that hurt you, focus on allowing Jesus to help you get through it.

The author is truly attempting to convey the fact that by living a godly life you are almost guaranteed to have enemies. confirms the idea in the letter to Timothy, all of those who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

In a nutshell, revenge does not make us victorious. We truly interrupt what God is trying to do.

Three Tenets

There are three things we should gain from this text. As Christians and as it pertains to our relationships with those who do not know Jesus.

We should provide for

Take thought for

Have regard for

Understanding first and foremost seeking revenge makes us unable to do any of these things.

Unlocking the Text

Verse 17 begins with word - “Recompense”, in other words our method of repayment should never be the evil that was handed to us first.

In effort to refrain from revenge, our mindset has to be the same mind as Jesus, not high minded, but humble minded.

Recompense means to reward or punish, based on what someone DESERVES.

This is why grace and mercy is ever so important, we have to extend grace and mercy to those we believe deserve the same pain we felt.

Sometimes God allows us to go through things in effort to see and realize, that we should not want anyone to go through what we have been through.

Our response to evil will have greater affect than the initial action. This is why Jesus states “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

When I know the power of God, I truly understand that nothing I can do will ever compare to how he repays.

Seeking revenge also leaves your response up to the interpretation of others.

It is up to us to have regard for all mankind. If anyone is going to care about the well being of people it should be Christians first.

Understand that humility demands respect, it takes God like strength to extend mercy and grace when you really want to tell someone about themselves.

Have regard for people, retaliation is never the answer. We cannot grow up in Christ having immature tit for tat disagreements with on another.

We are not to retaliate, but do what is right to live at peace.

Leave room for the wrath of God, meanwhile serving our enemies if need be.

Ministering to people allows us to refrain from being overcome with evil.

One might ask what is evil? Morally objectionable behavior. If our task is to win souls, there is no way we win souls by seeking revenge on people.

God desires that we be people of peace, “If it is possible or that is, If others will let you, as much as you honestly can live at peace will one another.

One thing I used to dislike more than anything else, is when someone who is not a manager attempted to manage me and gave me contrary instructions that the manager gave.

When we seek revenge, we attempt to do God’s job for him. We do not leave room for God to work. Give place to wrath, let your anger pass, we should not express our anger in revenge.

Leave room for his wrath, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.

I truly believe we do not have a problem with the revenge part, I believe we struggle with the if your enemy is hungry part.

Referenced from If your enemy is hungry give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty give him water to drink.

Retaliation and punishment belong to God. By repaying evil with peace, it should inspire self-reflection and judgment on the person inflicting harm.

In this we overcome evil with good. If we are in the business of conquering the enemy, it is going to take some supernatural power.

Based on society it is unnatural to respond to evil with peace, grace and mercy. Typically we tend to hear advice like, girl, that couldn’t have been me!

Satan knew he could not use the sinners to discourage Jesus, because he sat at the tables with them. So what Satan will do is his will make an enemy of those closest to you.

He uses family, friends, bosses, co-workers. People you have to see. So instead of seeking revenge since I have to see you let me serve you. Since I have to be around you, let me show you what grace and mercy looks like.

True power happens when you can resist from harming someone even when you have the power to do so. When they go low, we go high. not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing