Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice. Proverbs 24:17
Merciful Father, I relish the taste of wasabi-kissed soft-shell crab sushi… of a seared-to-perfection rib eye steak… of fresh pistachio gelato with a few extra pistachios sprinkled on top dribbled with a little hot fudge. But I also savor stories of revenge seasoned with spiteful-retaliation and topped off with the gravy of extreme retribution—when the bad guy gets it even worse than he gave it. Alas, this is one more reason I need the gospel all the time.
Help me deal with my feelings. The more I’m aware of egregious expressions of evil in the world—stories of human trafficking, exploitation of the poor, the tactics of terror… the more I fume—the more I feel hate rising in my heart. This isn’t okay, Lord. It one thing for us to long for justice, but quite another to go to the dark place of revenge. I must heed your warning to avoid a vengeful spirit… like I would run from coiled rattlesnakes… toxic fumes… E Coli poisoned waters.
No matter what the provocation … from a personal “dissing” to evil parading it’s hated of beauty… you are telling me I have no right to revenge… no right to gloat when an enemy falls… no right to “get back at” or to get even with anybody. Bring the power of the gospel to bear.
Father, I’m so glad you didn’t “get even” with me for all the ways I rebelled and still rebel against you… for all the ways I’ve chosen my gain over your glory… for all the ways I’ve misrepresented you to the world. You didn’t get even, you got generous. You presented Jesus as the sacrifice for my sin. May the cross keep me humble, patient and expectant of the Day of consummate justice. I don’t want to waste one more self-absorbed moment relishing personal revenge. May all that energy be invested much more redemptively. I praise you that evil will not prevail. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.
Scotty Smith
Pastor for Preaching, Teaching and Worship
Christ Community Church
1215 Hillsboro Rd.
Franklin, TN 37069
615-468-2230
It’s good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace Hebrews 13:9
