When we want vengeance—the retributive punishment of another—we are allowing our heart to boil in anger and make a decision to not only form a judgment verdict of guilty, but execute the retributive penalty. Such a desire does not come from the heart of God, but His adversary, the devil.
The Bible says in Psalm 89:14 that righteousness and justice is the foundation of God’s throne. In defining righteousness and standing for justice God alone reserves the right to ultimate judgment. It’s one thing for government authorities to sit in a seat of judgment. That’s a God-appointed role. God holds them accountable for righteousness judgment.
RELEVANCE
Jesus made an interesting comment to two of his closest disciples, James and John, when they wanted to command fire to come down from heaven and consume those in a particular city who rejected Him. “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” (Luke 9:54-56).
He saw a spirit of anger and vengeance rise up in their hearts. They thought their idea was righteous. They would execute what they perceived to be God’s wrath or judgment. They had it all wrong. God stands for righteousness and judgment, and first seeks mercy.
When we allow vengeance to grip our heart we cross a sacred line; from the kingdom of light—God’s domain, to the kingdom of darkness, Satan’s domain. As Creator, only God can truly judge what is in the heart of man. He first seeks mercy. When we choose to judge and execute retributive punishment out of anger and bitterness we have usurped God’s authority. That’s when God delegates authority to Satan.
Even the Old Testament says, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart; but you shall surely rebuke your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take revenge or bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:17-18 AMPLIFIED). It’s one thing to criticize, reprimand and discipline; but something entirely different to seek punishment out of anger and vengeance.
This subject always brings me to one of my favorite Scriptures, Micah 6:8, which speaks of the few simple, but profound, things that God requires most from us: to “do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
REFLECT AND RELATE
The heart can be proud, angry, judgmental and vengeful. We have that capacity. We also have the capacity to be humble, love and desire mercy– which fall on God’s side of the line of judgment. Such are the virtues God prefers we cultivate. What internal control do you maintain in your heart to keep walking on God’s side of the line?
REFERENCES
1 Thessalonians 5:14-24; 2 Timothy 3:20-26