A Christian Perspective on Justice and Vengeance.
The topic of vengeance in Christian teachings and the difference between “avenge” and “revenge.” Modern language has made a distinction between these terms, but Biblically speaking, both have strong moral and spiritual implications.
Scripture offers profound insight into the idea of justice, punishment, and vengeance, highlighting that while God allows for justice, revenge is forbidden. Avenge in biblical terms often involves executing justice on behalf of someone who has been wronged, under God’s guidance and within HIS authority.
In (Romans 12:19) we are taught – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. (2 Thessalonians 1:6) says – “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you…”
Revenge, on the other hand, is seen as the personal, vindictive act of inflicting harm upon others, often motivated by malice and sin. In (Proverbs 24:29) – “Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.'”
The Difference Between Avenge and Revenge:
Avenge, the role of Justice that is rooted in Divine authority, not personal, emotion, or malicious intent. The danger of maliciousness, revenge is the desire to inflict harm or evil out of personal spite, often leading to further sin and perpetuating the cycle of violence.
God as the Ultimate Judge, while humans may be given the authority to administer justice in certain situations, it is ultimately God who executes final judgment and vengeance. Christians are called not to seek revenge but to forgive, reflecting the grace that God has extended to us.
How do we respond to Injustice?
Leave vengeance to God; trust in HIS ultimate judgment, and to seek justice through lawful and peaceful means, rather than through personal vengeance. Forgive those who have wronged us, even in the face of deep personal hurt. Seek God’s justice not our own, leave vengeance to HIM. Seek peace and reconciliation rather than retaliation.
In a world where the desire for revenge is often glorified, Christians are called to rise above worldly impulses and reflect the character of Christ, who forgave those who crucified HIM, trusting fully in God’s ultimate justice, for HE will ensure that justice is served, particularly in the afterlife. A present reality and a future promise, HIS righteous judgment will be revealed. HIS judgments are always aligned with HIS nature, administered fairly and according to HIS moral standards.
Previously mentioned Scripture:
Romans 12:19
New International Version
19 “Do not take revenge, my dear 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
King James Version
19 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Romans 12:19
Living Bible
19 “Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands.”
2 Thessalonians 1:6
New International Version
6 “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you”
2 Thessalonians 1:6
King James Version
6 “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;”
2 Thessalonians 1:6
Living Bible
6 “while at the same time he is preparing judgment and punishment for those who are hurting you.”
Proverbs 24:29
New International Version
29 “Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.” ”
Proverbs 24:29
King James Version
29 “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.”
Proverbs 24:29
Living Bible
28-29 “Don’t testify spitefully against an innocent neighbor. Why lie about him? Don’t say, “Now I can pay him back for all his meanness to me!” ”