“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).
The Christian dwells in a world that is not their home, a place often marked by hostility, where believers are described as “strangers and pilgrims” (Hebrews 11:13). Scripture provides clear guidance on how to respond to those who oppose the faith. The Apostle Paul instructs, “Repay no man evil for evil, but give thought to do that which is honest in the sight of all. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all. 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 12:17-19). Similarly, Christ commands, “I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you… For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” (Matthew 5:44-47). These commands define the essence of Christian conduct, calling believers to a standard far above the world’s natural inclinations.
The natural (fallen) response to evil is retaliation. When wronged, human instinct seeks to return harm for harm, to assert strength and demand justice. Yet, Scripture forbids this, urging believers to overcome evil with good. This is no mere suggestion but a divine mandate, rooted in the character of God, who alone is the righteous judge. To love one’s enemies requires supernatural grace, for it opposes every impulse of fallen nature. The Christian must reject the urge to avenge themselves, trusting instead in God’s perfect justice. The Lord Jesus Christ exemplifies this obedience. When tempted by Satan (Luke 4:1-14), questioned by Pharisees with malicious intent (Matthew 22:24-29), or subjected to arrest, beating, and trial (John 19; Isaiah 53:7), He responded with either measured truth or silence, submitting fully to the Father’s will. His trust in divine justice led to His exaltation, as Philippians 2:9-11 declares: “…God also hath highly exalted him, and given 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.”
God’s vengeance is certain and just. He sees every act of evil, knows every heart, and will repay according to His righteous will. Believers are called to leave vengeance to Him, acting instead with love that may heap “coals of fire” upon the heads of the wicked (Romans 12:20). Such love, when rejected, increases the guilt of the unrepentant, compounding their judgment. Isaiah 55:11 assures that God’s Word, when shared through word and deed, never fails to accomplish His purpose, whether it brings life to the hearer or hardens them for judgment (2 Corinthians 2:16). The Christian’s duty is to obey out of love for God and, remarkably, love for their enemy, entrusting all outcomes to the Almighty.
This command to love enemies is not abstract but practical, applying to daily interactions. The world abounds with injustice—believers are mocked, persecuted, and even killed for their faith. Yet, the call remains: do good, bless, pray, and trust God’s justice. The church must not mimic the world’s hatred but reflect Christ’s character. His Spirit enables obedience, transforming hearts to love even those who persecute. God’s wrath is real, His judgment sure, but His grace is sufficient to sustain His people. The believer’s hope rests in the certainty that God will not forsake His inheritance but will right every wrong in His time, through Christ, the righteous judge. “It is a matter of great credit to forgive, for thereby we are declared to be The children of our heavenly Father, (Matt. 5:44-45).”[1]
Contemplations
- Struggling with vengeance. I want to strike back when someone wrongs me. My pride screams for justice, but Romans 12:19 tells me to leave vengeance to God. I’m guilty of holding grudges, letting anger fester instead of trusting His judgment. It’s hard to let go, knowing He sees all and will repay. I need His grace to loosen my grip on retribution and to rest in His promise to make all things right.
- Loving the unlovable. Loving my enemies feels impossible. When they curse me, I want to curse back, not bless them as Matthew 5:44 commands. My heart resists showing kindness to those who hate me. I’m convicted that my love is often conditional, reserved for those who treat me well. I need God’s Spirit to soften my heart, to help me pray for my persecutors with sincerity.
- Trusting God’s justice. I doubt God’s timing when evil seems to win. The world’s injustice—against me or His church—makes me question if He sees. Yet, Psalm 94:1 assures me He is the God of vengeance. I struggle to trust His plan when pain is real. I need faith to believe He will judge rightly, freeing me to love without fear of being weak.
- Reflecting Christ’s example. Jesus stayed silent before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7), trusting God’s will. I’m quick to defend myself, to prove I’m right. My ego gets in the way of obedience. I want to mirror Christ’s humility, to respond with grace under pressure. I need His strength to act in love, even when I’m hated, knowing God will exalt His own.
Prayer (supplication)
O righteous God, you are the sovereign judge who sees every wrong and knows every heart. I come before you, frail and sinful, pleading for your strength to obey your command to love my enemies. My heart rebels against this call. I confess my desire to repay evil with evil, to cling to anger when wronged. Forgive me for my pride, for seeking my own justice instead of trusting yours. Cleanse me, Lord, and renew my spirit.
I beg you, Father, to grant me a heart that loves those who curse me. When I’m hated, give me grace to bless. When persecuted, help me pray with sincerity. My flesh cries for vengeance, but your Word commands me to leave it to you. You promise to repay, and I trust your perfect justice. Equip me to live peaceably, to do good to those who harm me, as Romans 12:17-19 instructs. I cannot do this alone—my strength fails.
Lord, your church endures great suffering. Your people are mocked, imprisoned, and slain for your name. I plead for them, that they may stand firm, loving their enemies as Christ did. Grant them courage to bless, not curse, knowing you will not forsake them. For myself, I ask for wisdom to speak truth in love, that my actions glorify you. Let your Word through me accomplish your will, whether it softens or hardens hearts.
I am a sinner, spared only by your mercy. Without Christ’s blood, I’d be no different from those who rebel against you. Thank you for your grace that saves and sustains me. Help me extend that grace to others, even those who wrong me. Make me a vessel of your love, that your name may be exalted. I rely on your strength to obey, trusting you to right every wrong in your time. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture references for Romans 12:19
Deut. 32:35, Ps. 94:1, Rom. 12:17, Heb. 10:30, Prov. 20:22, Ezek. 25:12.
[1] Edward Leigh, A Treatise of the Divine Promises in Five Books, (London: George Miller, and are to be sold by Thomas Underhill .., 1641), 322.
