A Reflection on Justice, Forgiveness, and Trust in God
Vengeance is a powerful and often destructive emotion. It is born from a sense of grievance, a desire to rectify perceived wrongs, and a yearning for justice. While the impulse to seek retribution might feel justified in moments of pain or anger, scripture offers a compelling perspective on why personal vengeance is not the path we are called to take.
God’s Role in Vengeance
The Bible consistently emphasizes that vengeance is not ours to claim, but rather belongs to God, the ultimate judge and avenger. His justice is perfect and impartial, ensuring that wrongdoing will be addressed in due time. This reassurance allows believers to release the burden of seeking retribution, trusting instead in God’s divine plan.
Deuteronomy 32:35 reminds us of this truth: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” Similarly, Romans 12:19 echoes this sentiment: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” These passages highlight God’s sovereignty over justice, urging us to relinquish our hold on vindictiveness and trust in His timing.
Even the psalmist in Psalm 94:1 prays for God to avenge the righteous, not out of uncontrolled anger but in recognition of God’s perfect and just judgments. This perspective invites us to reframe our understanding of justice—not as something we must enforce with our own hands, but as a divine promise fulfilled by God Himself.
The Danger of Personal Vengeance
Personal vengeance is fraught with dangers. It perpetuates a cycle of anger and bitterness, consuming the individual who seeks it. Far from offering the closure one might hope for, revenge often deepens wounds and creates new conflicts, leaving a trail of harm in its wake.
The Bible cautions against such pursuits. Romans 12:19 is clear: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.” By attempting to enact our own version of justice, we risk stepping outside of God’s will and into a place of self-deception. Personal vengeance can blind us to the broader picture, leading us down a path of spiritual and emotional harm.
Additionally, 1 Corinthians 6:1 challenges believers to handle grievances within the community of faith rather than turning to systems that may lack godly wisdom: “If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints!” This passage points to the importance of resolving disputes with humility and in alignment with God’s principles.
Focus on Forgiveness and Trust
Instead of harboring resentment or seeking revenge, scripture calls us to a higher standard: forgiveness and trust in God’s justice. Forgiveness does not mean condoning wrongdoing, but it does free us from the corrosive effects of bitterness. It allows us to move forward in peace, trusting that God will address injustices according to His wisdom.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44 exemplify this radical call: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” By choosing to love and pray for those who have wronged us, we reflect God’s grace and mercy, opening the door for healing and reconciliation.
Romans 12:20-21 elaborates on this principle: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” These verses challenge us to respond to evil not with more evil, but with acts of kindness and compassion. By doing so, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love.
Seeking Justice Through God’s Authority
While personal vengeance is discouraged, the Bible acknowledges the role of civil authorities in upholding justice. Romans 13:4 affirms this: “For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” This passage underscores the importance of lawful and orderly justice, carried out by those entrusted with that responsibility.
Trusting in God’s authority and the systems He has put in place allows us to seek justice through proper channels, without taking matters into our own hands. It also reinforces the need to balance accountability with mercy, ensuring that justice aligns with God’s will.
Conclusion
The dangers of personal vengeance are clear, but scripture provides a powerful alternative: trust in God’s justice, a focus on forgiveness, and reliance on lawful means to uphold righteousness. By surrendering our desire for revenge, we embrace a path of peace and healing, reflecting God’s love and grace in our actions.
In moments of anger or hurt, may we remember the wisdom of scripture and the promise of God’s perfect justice. Let us strive to overcome evil with good, trusting that God, the ultimate avenger, will bring about justice in His timing and according to His will.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 