Do not avenge your self

Our 23rd code of conduct is “Do not avenge your self.” Paul admonishes the believer to instead of seeking vengeance for ourselves, or in common terms “getting even”, we are to patiently wait for God Himself to settle the score; which He promises to do!

The bible has much to say on this topic. From an O.T. point of view the idea of true justice was an “eye for an eye” . However the heart of man is “desperately wicked” according to , and therefore our heart should not be relied upon for true justice. The tendency of man is revenge “and then a little bit more” and this is obviously not God’s way. Thus the concept of an “eye for an eye” was to limit vengeance to something of equal value and not more.

Furthermore, both the Apostles Paul and Peter tell us that it glorifies Jesus when we suffer for doing good. (, ). So let us trust God to fight our battles and when we are wronged to take Him at His word for He promises, “I will repay”, and that is something we can count on.