Romans 12:19 (NLT)
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”
When we are wronged, it’s natural to feel the urge to inflict punishment on those who hurt us. Many of us imagine revenge scenarios in our minds, hoping to teach the other person a lesson. But God reminds us that His ways are better than ours, and His thoughts higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). What feels like the perfect plan for revenge to us is often flawed, driven by emotions such as pride, jealousy, or selfishness.
I’ve learned that attempting to take revenge costs us dearly. It drains our energy, consumes our thoughts, and risks hurting us in the process. We might lose valuable time or damage our own hearts while trying to “get even.” But God never grows tired. He knows the person who wronged us inside and out, and His justice is perfect. He doesn’t ignore the pain we’ve experienced, nor does He act out of partiality. When He chooses to discipline, it is done with precision and purpose.
I’ve also been on the other side, where I was the one who hurt someone. Even years later, I faced the consequences of my actions. It reminds me of Hebrews 12:6, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” God’s discipline is not to destroy but to correct and teach us.
This is why we’re called to leave vengeance to God. Human anger is often unrighteous, tainted by sin and emotional impulses. God’s anger, however, is pure and righteous. When He avenges, it is not out of spite but out of justice. He knows exactly how much discipline or correction is needed—never too little to leave someone unchanged, and never too much to destroy them completely.
Trusting God with vengeance is an act of faith. It’s acknowledging that He is just, all-knowing, and fully capable of dealing with every wrong. Let us resist the urge to repay evil for evil, as Romans 12:17 teaches, and leave it to God’s righteous anger. By doing so, we free ourselves from the burden of revenge and allow God to work in the lives of those who wronged us.
Have a blessed day, and may you find peace in leaving all justice in God’s hands. 🖤