"What If I Want Revenge?"

May 08, 2024 | By Chuck

 I am nearly positive you have been hurt and betrayed by someone at some point in your life. Unfortunately, with hurt and betrayal comes a flood of feelings and emotions. One may feel the need to seek revenge. I think when we are wronged the normal response is to get even. They hurt me so I will hurt them. People rationalize their desire for revenge by saying it’s only fair that I return pain to them for the pain they caused me. People can rationalize anything, even a selfish act like revenge.

            Revenge may be a tempting thought, but understand it is always an ungodly act. When you choose revenge, you are only thinking of yourself. Revenge is not an act of faith, and Christians are not to seek revenge but trust God instead. Revenge never accomplishes its empty promise to make you feel better. In fact, once revenge is accomplished it is followed with guilt for your actions and more hurt than you had to begin with. Revenge keeps animosity alive and destroys relationships. Revenge is never the answer because it helps no one, and it hurts our relationship with God.

            For the Christian, revenge must never be an option. No matter the pain you endured or what you have been through, revenge is always the wrong choice. “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” (Romans 12:17-19)