A Simple Reflection on Vindictiveness and the Power of Forgiveness
Have you ever been so hurt by someone that all you could think about was how to get back at them? Maybe you played out a conversation in your mind where you finally “put them in their place,” or you imagined ways to make them feel the pain you felt. If you have, you’re not alone. Wanting payback is a very real feeling we all deal with at some point. But when we let the urge for revenge take over, we end up hurting ourselves more than anyone else.
Why Forgiveness Is Stronger Than Getting Even
The Bible makes it clear that holding onto a desire for revenge—being vindictive—doesn’t lead to peace or healing. Instead, it traps us in anger and bitterness. On the other hand, forgiveness releases us from that trap and gives us freedom. Jesus Himself taught, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone” (Romans 12:17). That’s not just good advice; it’s a radical way to live that brings healing and hope.
The Biblical View: Letting God Handle Justice
Throughout the Bible, God tells us not to take matters into our own hands when we’re wronged. He wants us to trust Him to handle justice. Romans 12:19 says, “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.’” That’s God’s way of saying, “Let Me take care of it.” Instead of getting even, we’re called to be patient and let God work things out in His perfect timing. Proverbs 20:22 echoes this: “Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the LORD, and He will deliver you.”
Why Revenge Isn’t Ours to Take
The words used in the Bible for “vengeance” and “revenge” actually mean “punishment.” God is the only one who can punish with pure motives. In Deuteronomy 32:35, He says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” This idea is so important that it’s repeated several times in the Bible. When we try to take revenge, we’re stepping into God’s role—something we’re not qualified to do because our hearts are tainted by anger and pride.
Even King David, who was chased and hunted by King Saul without reason, refused to get revenge. He said, “May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you” (1 Samuel 24:12). David understood that true justice comes from God, not from our own hands.
The Cost of Holding Grudges
When we hold onto grudges or try to get back at others, it doesn’t make things better—it makes us bitter. The Bible warns against holding grudges: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18). Love, not revenge, is what God calls us to.
Choosing Grace Over Grudges
Forgiveness isn’t about letting someone “get away” with hurting you. It’s about trusting that God will deal with wrongs in His own perfect way. It’s also about choosing a life of freedom instead of letting anger and bitterness control you. When you forgive, you’re not saying what happened was okay; you’re saying you trust God more than your own desire for payback.
The next time you’re tempted to get even, remember: revenge might feel good for a moment, but forgiveness brings lasting peace. Let God handle justice, and let your heart be ruled by grace, not bitterness. That’s the path to true healing—and real strength.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 