What Happens When Political Leaders Govern with Vengeance

Why Retaliation from Those in Power Hurts a Nation—and a Better Way Forward

”Never take your own revenge, beloved. Instead, leave room for the wrath of God. It is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.” (Rom. 12:19)

When political leaders rule with vengeance, they seek to punish or “get back at” those they see as enemies. This approach isn’t just a personal issue. It becomes a problem for an entire nation. Let’s explore why this is the case in easy-to-understand terms. We will examine what history and faith traditions like the Bible say about it. We will also discuss what a leader’s focus on retaliation can do to the spirit of a country.

What Does “Governing with Vengeance” Mean?

Political leaders take vengeance by using their power. They go after people they believe have wronged them. Sometimes this means targeting political opponents, critics, journalists, or even regular citizens who speak out. These leaders do not let go or forgive. They don’t focus on serving everyone. Instead, they use their office to punish those they don’t like. They humiliate or silence their opponents.

This isn’t just about a leader feeling offended. It’s about turning public office—a position meant to serve all people—into a tool for settling personal scores.

Why Is Vengeance from Leaders So Dangerous?

The urge for revenge can be strong, even in regular life. But when it’s a leader, the effects are multiplied many times over. Here’s why:

· It Divides a Nation: Leaders punish those who disagree with them. They support only their own side. This behavior splits people into “us” and “them.” Trust between citizens breaks down, and cooperation becomes almost impossible.

· It Destroys Trust in Government: People start believing that laws or rules are no longer fair. They think these rules are weapons used against whoever the leader dislikes. This leads to fear, suspicion, and a lack of faith in institutions.

· It Discourages Honest Debate: If criticizing leaders means getting targeted or punished, many people will just keep quiet. Good ideas are lost, and important problems go unsolved because people are scared to speak up.

· It Worsens Corruption and Abuse: When a leader uses their position for revenge, it often leads to other abuses. These abuses include rewarding friends, ignoring the law, or hiding wrongdoing. The country’s sense of justice and fairness fades away.

· It Hurts the Country’s Reputation: Nations led by vengeful leaders may be seen as unstable. They might also be viewed as unsafe by the rest of the world. This can damage relationships and make things worse economically and socially.

Everyday Examples: What Does This Look Like?

Imagine if your boss at work started firing people just because they disagreed with them. It wouldn’t be because they were bad at their jobs. Soon, everyone would be walking on eggshells, afraid of saying the wrong thing, and the business would suffer. In politics, the stakes are even higher because decisions affect millions, not just a single workplace.

A recent example is the coverage of President Donald Trump’s focus on “vengeance” as a defining part of his leadership. The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board pointed out that targeting critics can easily become a main goal. Labeling individuals as “enemies” may contribute to this focus. It is not just a side effect.¹ This can even lead to formal actions, like raids or investigations of those who oppose the leader. Whether you agree with these actions or not, they clearly show how personal grudges can become national news—and national policy.

What the Bible Says About Revenge—And Why It Matters for Leaders

The Bible, a source of wisdom for billions, emphasizes avoiding revenge. This includes warnings against taking revenge personally and in leadership. In practical terms, it tells us that trying to “get even” usually makes things worse for everyone.

In the New Testament, Paul writes, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends. Leave room for God’s wrath. It is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). What does this mean for leaders? It means even those in authority shouldn’t use their position to pay back enemies. Instead, leaders are called to focus on justice, service, and fairness—not personal vendettas.

The Bible also teaches that the best way to fight evil is with good. Leaders should not repeat harm. They are urged to set an example by showing patience, kindness, and forgiveness. These values help heal, unite, and strengthen a nation.

Real-World Consequences: When Leaders Choose Revenge

History is filled with examples of leaders who let vengeance guide their decisions—and the results are rarely positive.

· Loss of Rights: Leaders may strike back at opponents. They might change laws to make it harder for people to disagree. Freedom of speech, press, or protest can vanish quickly.

· Erosion of Democracy: Democratic systems rely on fair competition and respect for differing opinions. A leader who can’t tolerate disagreement, and punishes those who criticize, undermines the foundations of democracy.

· Cycle of Retaliation: Every act of revenge can spark a new round of hostility. Instead of moving forward, the nation gets stuck in a loop of payback, bitterness, and division.

· National Fatigue: When politics becomes a battleground of personal grudges, people grow weary. Cynicism rises, hope falls, and energy for positive change disappears.

A Better Way: Leadership Rooted in Restraint and Forgiveness

Thankfully, the alternative is simple and powerful, even if it’s hard: leaders can choose to rise above personal hurts. Instead of turning power into a tool for revenge, they can focus on serving the whole nation. Here’s what that looks like:

· Listening to All Sides: Fair leaders respect different opinions and invite debate, even with opponents. This leads to better decisions and greater unity.

· Trusting in Justice, Not Personal Payback: Leaders should rely on fair processes. They should follow the rule of law—not their own grudges—when handling criticism or wrongdoing.

· Modeling Forgiveness: Great leaders show the strength to forgive and move on, inspiring citizens to do the same.

· Focusing on Service: The best use of power is for the good of all. It should not be used for settling scores with a few.

Lessons for Citizens: Why This Matters to Us

Our leaders shape the nation, but citizens have a role, too. We can support and expect leaders who choose justice over vengeance, and kindness over payback. By voting, speaking out, and living these values ourselves, we can change our country’s climate. We can make it better.

Summary and Takeaway

· When political leaders rule with revenge, the nation suffers—through division, fear, injustice, and lost hope.

· Faith traditions and history agree: revenge from those in power leads to cycles of harm, not healing.

· The most effective and respected leaders set aside personal animosities and focus on justice, forgiveness, and service.

· By choosing unity over vengeance, leaders and citizens alike can help build a more just, peaceful, and hopeful nation.

In simple terms: when those at the top choose payback, everyone pays the price. But when they choose to rise above, the whole country benefits. Even enemies can become partners in building a better future.

Minister A Francine Green

August 2025

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