Proverbs 20:22 — Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
What should we do when someone does something bad to us? Should we retaliate against that person? After all, we have been hurt, so that person should be hurt too. Or should we forgive that person? Paul has much to say about vengeance and forgiveness in Romans 12:14-21.
Paul reiterates Jesus’ own teachings on this subject. “Bless those who persecute you.” “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” The Hebrew word for “avenge” in Proverbs 20:22 means “to repay.” Repaying evil for evil makes us sinners, not saints. Paul writes, “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Let the Lord handle the repayment for evil done against you. God will deal with people in an effective way that will save you from sinning. God has not appointed us to be judge, jury, and executioner in one person. We are not supposed to be Christian vigilantes taking revenge on people who have done wrong. That is God’s work.
God has given us the work of forgiving others who have hurt us. This is often not easy because our hurt and pain is so terrible. We wonder how Jesus and Stephen in their pain and suffering could ask God to forgive those who were killing them. This is not a natural human response to injustice; this is a supernatural spiritual response.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). One of the true tests of a believer is if he or she can love someone who has sinned against him or her and forgive. When we forgive others who have wronged us, we are most Christ-like. Jesus let His Father deal with those who were responsible for His death. Some became believers! Don’t get blood on your hands trying to punish sinners. Wait on the Lord and He will save you.
02/28/2025 Devotional
"Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Let the Lord handle the repayment for evil done against you. God will deal with people in an effective way that will save you from sinning.
When we forgive others who have wronged us, we are most Christ-like."
I say I am a Christian.
When I am in trouble in an in-controlling situation, I can not forgive myself. I should have done it earlier. I should have acted sooner.
I can only depend on God's lordship. He is the one who is in control. Please, God, you make possible something which is impossible.
Nothing is impossible in the name of Jesus!
02/28/2025 묵상
"복수는 내 것이요, 내가 갚으리라, 주께서…