Grace Over Vengeance
Grace Over Vengeance
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
Vengeance is a primal urge deeply rooted in human nature. When someone wrongs us or we see a wrong being done, our immediate response is often a desire to retaliate. This longing for revenge is so ingrained that it has found its way into our everyday language, as seen in phrases like “Revenge is sweet” or “I don’t get mad, I get even”.
However, the Christian’s response to a wrong should be in sharp contrast to this urge for personal vengeance. In today’s scripture, Paul reminds us that we should not repay anyone “evil for evil”. And just a few words earlier, Paul encourages us in verse 14 to “be patient toward all men” It follows if our natural tendency is to “settle the score”, then it will require significant patience and self-control not to seek revenge when wronged. Paul’s message echoes Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, where He encourages His followers to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile even for our enemies (Matthew 5:38–42).
It's also important to understand that neither Paul nor Jesus suggests that Christians should tolerate abuse or to never seek the punishment of wrongdoers. The focus here is to not respond in kind to personal insults. Jesus’ mention of turning the other cheek refers to enduring personal slights without seeking revenge. When our honor feels assaulted, or we face insults that fall short of criminal behavior, we are called to resist the urge for personal retribution.
This is not easy in our culture - where with phone or tablet in hand we can immediately lash out at wrongs through social media. But don’t blame social media for our tendency to strike back. For there’s always good old-fashioned face-to-face gossip where we try to seek our revenge by tearing down the person who has wronged as we chat over coffee or our neighbors’ fence. This places the responsibility directly on us and the motivations of our hearts, not on the method of communication. That said, seeking justice through civil authorities is appropriate in cases of abuse or criminal acts. The church must protect the vulnerable and involve authorities when necessary to uphold justice (Romans 2:23–24; 13:1–7).
Beyond avoiding engaging in personal vendettas, we are called to do good to everyone, including those who oppose us (1 Thessalonians 5:15b). John Calvin reminds us:
“We must not merely refrain from inflicting vengeance, when anyone has injured us, but must cultivate beneficence towards all.”
To live out this calling to take the high road, we must rely on a power greater than ourselves, the Holy Spirit, seeking strength to follow Christ’s example.
The conclusion of the matter is that Christians are called to go out of our way to do good to all people, even those who may seek to harm us. While we do not have to endure continuous abuse and should seek legal recourse, when necessary, we are not to pursue personal revenge for every slight. Commit to pray for strength to overcome the urge to repay evil with evil. Instead, extend grace and goodness to all and show the love and patience of Christ in our interactions, reflecting His light in a world prone to darkness.
Hear Paul’s words in Romans 12:19-21:
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This promise is important because it answers one of the most powerful impulses behind seeking revenge - anger. Rest in the knowledge that God will deal with all wrongs and that we can leave the matter in his hands.
Credit: Ron Kelley
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
Vengeance is a primal urge deeply rooted in human nature. When someone wrongs us or we see a wrong being done, our immediate response is often a desire to retaliate. This longing for revenge is so ingrained that it has found its way into our everyday language, as seen in phrases like “Revenge is sweet” or “I don’t get mad, I get even”.
However, the Christian’s response to a wrong should be in sharp contrast to this urge for personal vengeance. In today’s scripture, Paul reminds us that we should not repay anyone “evil for evil”. And just a few words earlier, Paul encourages us in verse 14 to “be patient toward all men” It follows if our natural tendency is to “settle the score”, then it will require significant patience and self-control not to seek revenge when wronged. Paul’s message echoes Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, where He encourages His followers to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile even for our enemies (Matthew 5:38–42).
It's also important to understand that neither Paul nor Jesus suggests that Christians should tolerate abuse or to never seek the punishment of wrongdoers. The focus here is to not respond in kind to personal insults. Jesus’ mention of turning the other cheek refers to enduring personal slights without seeking revenge. When our honor feels assaulted, or we face insults that fall short of criminal behavior, we are called to resist the urge for personal retribution.
This is not easy in our culture - where with phone or tablet in hand we can immediately lash out at wrongs through social media. But don’t blame social media for our tendency to strike back. For there’s always good old-fashioned face-to-face gossip where we try to seek our revenge by tearing down the person who has wronged as we chat over coffee or our neighbors’ fence. This places the responsibility directly on us and the motivations of our hearts, not on the method of communication. That said, seeking justice through civil authorities is appropriate in cases of abuse or criminal acts. The church must protect the vulnerable and involve authorities when necessary to uphold justice (Romans 2:23–24; 13:1–7).
Beyond avoiding engaging in personal vendettas, we are called to do good to everyone, including those who oppose us (1 Thessalonians 5:15b). John Calvin reminds us:
“We must not merely refrain from inflicting vengeance, when anyone has injured us, but must cultivate beneficence towards all.”
To live out this calling to take the high road, we must rely on a power greater than ourselves, the Holy Spirit, seeking strength to follow Christ’s example.
The conclusion of the matter is that Christians are called to go out of our way to do good to all people, even those who may seek to harm us. While we do not have to endure continuous abuse and should seek legal recourse, when necessary, we are not to pursue personal revenge for every slight. Commit to pray for strength to overcome the urge to repay evil with evil. Instead, extend grace and goodness to all and show the love and patience of Christ in our interactions, reflecting His light in a world prone to darkness.
Hear Paul’s words in Romans 12:19-21:
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This promise is important because it answers one of the most powerful impulses behind seeking revenge - anger. Rest in the knowledge that God will deal with all wrongs and that we can leave the matter in his hands.
Credit: Ron Kelley
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