Trusting God's Justice: Letting Go of Revenge and Embracing Forgiveness

Beloved, have you ever been wronged by someone? Perhaps you have experienced the pain and anger that comes with injustice. It's natural to feel a desire for justice and to want the wrongdoer to face the consequences of their actions. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to forgive and leave vengeance to God.

In Romans 12:19, the apostle Paul writes, "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.'" This promise from God is crucial in our journey towards overcoming bitterness and the desire for revenge. It answers the powerful impulse behind our anger and redirects our focus towards God's justice.

It's important to acknowledge that feeling the need for justice is not entirely wrong. When we have been truly wronged, it is natural to desire justice. However, what is wrong is when we take matters into our own hands and allow bitterness to consume us until justice is served. This is a dangerous path to walk.

I recall a conversation I had during my seminary days. Noël and I were part of a small group for couples, where we discussed forgiveness and anger. One young wife shared that she could not and would not forgive her mother for something that had happened to her as a young girl. We talked about the biblical commands and warnings concerning an unforgiving spirit, but she remained adamant in her decision not to forgive.

In situations like this, the promise of God's judgment in Romans 12 can be a source of great comfort and motivation to let go of bitterness and revenge. Paul reminds us that God will deal with all wrongs and that we can trust Him to do so. He assures us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. This promise allows us to surrender our vengeful desires and trust in God's perfect justice.

The promise that God will repay frees us from the burden of holding onto an unforgiving, bitter, and vengeful spirit. We can trust that God will settle all accounts, and He will do it more justly, mercifully, and thoroughly than we ever could. Every sin will be punished, either in Christ on the cross for those who repent and trust Him, or in hell for those who reject Him. We can therefore step back and give room for God to carry out His perfect work.

Let's delve deeper into the biblical references that support this promise. In Ephesians 4:32, we are commanded to be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave us. This verse reminds us of the incredible forgiveness we have received from God through Christ. We were once separated from God by our sins, but through Christ's sacrifice, we have been reconciled to Him. If God, in His infinite mercy, can forgive us, how can we withhold forgiveness from others?

Furthermore, Jesus Himself warns us in Matthew 6:15 that if we do not forgive others, our Heavenly Father will not forgive our trespasses. This should serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of forgiveness in our lives. We cannot expect to receive forgiveness if we are unwilling to extend it to others. It is through forgiveness that we experience the fullness of God's grace and mercy.

So, how do we practically apply this promise to our lives? When we are wronged, instead of seeking revenge or holding onto bitterness, we can choose to trust in God's justice. We can surrender our desire for vengeance and forgive those who have hurt us. This does not mean that we ignore the wrong or pretend that it didn't happen. Rather, it means entrusting the matter to God and allowing Him to deal with it in His perfect timing and wisdom.

In doing so, we free ourselves from the burden of carrying the weight of revenge. We can release the anger and bitterness that have consumed us and instead embrace the freedom and peace that come from forgiveness. We can focus on healing and restoration rather than dwelling on the past.

To illustrate this, let's consider an analogy. Imagine carrying a heavy backpack filled with rocks. The weight of the rocks represents the burden of revenge and bitterness. It weighs us down and hinders our ability to move forward. But when we choose to forgive and trust in God's justice, we can take off the backpack and experience the freedom of release. We can walk lighter, unhindered by the weight of our anger.

In conclusion, the promise of God's vengeance in Romans 12:19 is a powerful reminder that justice belongs to the Lord. We are called to trust in Him and leave revenge in His hands. While it is natural to desire justice when we have been wronged, we must resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands. Instead, we can choose to forgive and release the burden of revenge, trusting that God will settle all accounts. Through forgiveness, we experience the fullness of God's grace and mercy, and we are set free from the chains of bitterness and anger. May we walk in the freedom of forgiveness, knowing that God's justice will prevail.