“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,
‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord,’”
(Romans 12:19)
This world is not the Christian’s home. It is enemy territory and we are only “strangers and pilgrims” here (Heb. 11:13). However, both Christ and Paul gave clear instructions as to how we are to respond to our enemies:
Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord,” (Rom. 12:17-19).
I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? (Matt. 5:38-47)
In other words, God’s children are not to respond like an unbeliever. We are not to return evil for evil but good for evil. We are to love our enemies. This is real Christianity. And it is really hard to do because our natural man rises up inside us when we’re wronged. We feel the need to stand up for ourselves, so we don’t appear weak. But when we allow the power of the Word of God to answer our enemies, instead of doing it in our own strength, good will be accomplished and God will be glorified.
Our greatest example is the Lord Himself. Christ responded to those who tried to tempt Him (Luke 4:1-14) and trick Him (Matt. 22:24-29) with Scripture. And when He was arrested and beaten and put on trial, He didn’t open His mouth (John 19, Isa. 53:7) because He knew He was right where the Father wanted Him to be, doing exactly what God had planned. And that in the end, God would settle the score.
Christ was fully obedient when surrounded by a world of enemies, and so God exalted Him – “… giving Him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,” (Phil. 2:9-11). God makes all things right in the end. He is the good and righteous Judge of all the earth. And He wants us to leave our desire for revenge at His feet and let Him deal with it.
For when we allow the wrath of God to work, His purpose, will, and intentions for all are accomplished. This is why the church is commanded not to seek revenge, because vengeance belongs to God alone. Instead, as Paul explains further in these verses in Romans 12, acts of love heap coals on the head of the wicked. If our enemies are not moved toward God by our love, then they add to their own guilt, and their final punishment will be compounded as a result.
Isaiah 55:11 says, “My word … shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please…” When God’s Word is shared in word and deed by a believer, it accomplishes its purpose in the intended will of God. For some this purpose is life; to others its purpose is death and hardening (2 Cor. 2:16). But in either case, the Christian has done his duty out of love to God, and love to his enemy, and he leaves all vengeance in the hands of the Almighty God.
- As Judge of the earth, You do all Your holy will. Help me see that will in my daily walk, and especially in how I respond to my enemies. How do I fail in this? Humble me before Your great providence, and help me allow Your strong arm to work Your will in my life, particularly in regard to my enemies.
- There is so much injustice in the world Lord. Your people are broken in pieces in many places all over the world. They are imprisoned for doing Your work and many are put to death. The evil men that harm and kill Your own think they will escape Your wrath and judgment because it does not happen immediately. They think You don’t see, and You don’t know. But am I like the wicked when I sin? I have your Spirit. I have Your Son’s blood over me as a believer. I am forgiven. But it is only by Your gracious hand that I am not as they are, in rebellion and sin.
- You are the great God of wrath and vengeance over the earth. You judge rightly. You know all the thoughts of men, all the evil thoughts that revolt against You, and all the actions of the wicked on Your people. You will not leave Your people and will not forsake Your inheritance. In wrath and judgment, You will recompense all the wrongs that are done to Your church in the end through the Lord Jesus.
Further References for Romans 12:19
Deut. 32:35; Ps. 94:1; Rom. 12:17; Heb. 10:30; Prov. 20:22; Ezek. 25:12
