Seeking Revenge

(This is a longer article, adapted from a sermon I delivered on the 7th of June, 2020) 

The protesting, rioting, and looting seen in recent days has taken a heavy toll on the country. Some people are enraged, others appalled. Some are simply confused. We know that some will stop and question, “Where do I stand in all this?” “What side am I on?” We would never want members of the Lord’s church to be left wondering where they stand. Our position is not unclear, but in order to know where our position is, we must understand the true problem. Quite often mankind will take notice of symptoms while failing to recognize the root cause. 

Many propose the issue is skin color. I don’t believe that to be the case at all. How can one defend the idea that black and white cannot get along? Watching the news, we see police officers who are white, black, brown, and seemingly every color working alongside each other. In addition to that, we see protesters who are white, black, brown, and seemingly every color supporting one another and showing teamwork. We remember the truth that our God “has made from one blood every nation of men” (Acts 17:26). Whatever color our skin, we are the human race (Gen 2:23-24; 9:1). This isn’t truly about skin color. 

Others have said the issue is police officers versus the people. Some say the cops are good and the people are evil. Others say the people are good and the cops are evil. I know that’s not the case. That’s not the issue at all. We know through our own observance that there are people who choose to do good things and there are people who choose to do wicked things. Also, there are cops who choose to do good things and there are cops who choose to do wicked things. We understand and should acknowledge that the job of law enforcement is an incredibly difficult job. The stresses and the pressures of that role, it’s one that should never be taken lightly. We recognize nobody is perfect and various men have been guilty of terrible acts (whether through accident or with intent). Sinful actions begin when an individual is drawn away by his own desires and enticed (Jam 1:13-15). To say this is about cops versus people would lump individuals together, painting with the same overly broad brush of prejudice. It is wrong to blame all the evil on one side or the other. 

I don’t think the issue is about skin color or police versus people. The issue is good vs evil. This has always been the problem. Throughout human history, even from the beginning in the garden. Sin comes from a bad choice (Gen 3:6), not from having the wrong skin color or career. Personal responsibility cannot be ignored (Gen 3:16-19). Will man choose to act in the way God has defined as good, or will man choose to act in the way God has defined as bad? 

Now, our purpose here is to talk about revenge. The world says, “don’t get mad, get even!” Isn’t that a striking contrast with what our Lord says, “love your enemies, bless those who curse you” (Matt 5:44). Clearly our society is confused; the world doesn’t have this one right. 

Before we dig into revenge specifically, let’s make something clear. When I tell you that we should not seek revenge, I’m not telling you that you don’t have the right to defend yourself. That is clearly a different issue than seeking to attack someone or seeking justification for causing destruction. Additionally, when I tell you that we should not seek revenge, I’m not saying that there isn’t an appropriate place for law and for civil authorities to punish criminals. But it’s just that, it’s the authority’s role and not mine to go out and punish those who do me wrong. 

We’re going to examine Romans chapter 12. As Paul writes this letter to Christians in Rome, they were a people familiar with conflict. There was conflict in Rome between the populace and the Roman authorities, the soldiers there keeping the peace. There was conflict in the church between Christians of a Jewish background and Christians of a Gentile background. And there was conflict, as there is today, within families and within each individual – the battle of the flesh versus the spirit, good versus evil. 

When we are tempted to seek revenge, what is the Biblical response? 

1) Instead of Seeking Revenge, Seek Love 

Romans 12:9-13 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 

Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, calls for “agape” love. This is a love driven by decision, to desire good for someone else even to our own hurt. Our love as Christians must be genuine and sincere, but how do we seek love in difficult situations? First, we abhor (detest utterly) what is evil. Second, we cling (unite with, glue ourselves) to what is good. Make sure to pay attention to both sides of this instruction. Some people will shun evil, but they are lazy and don’t do much good. Other people will attempt to hold to what is good while simultaneously holding to evil. This is hypocrisy. Also make sure to apply God’s standard of good and evil rather than man’s (Isa 5:20; Mic 6:8; John 10:32). 

We are further instructed to have kind affection, or the tenderness of family, toward each other. Everyone is to be honored (valued); everyone matters. We see this from the beginning as mankind was created “in the image of God” (Gen 1:27). This brotherly love should extend to all men, but especially toward the household of God. Our love must not be in word only, as this would be hypocritical love. We are called to have a busy love. Those who are lagging or slothful must learn to love “in deed and in truth” (1 Jn 3:18). Christians are to serve the Lord with a fervent (boiling with zeal) spirit. 

As we live and serve with love, we exhibit great joy. Christians rejoice in our confident expectation of blessing from God through Jesus, the anchor of our hope (Heb 6:19). We have patience (endurance) and the ability to remain under affliction. In times where we recognize our love to be lacking, we draw strength from God. We focus ourselves by remaining a prayerful people (1 Thess 5:17). True love is demonstrated by action. Therefore, we cheerfully give, sharing with others to provide for their needs. To practice hospitality is to pursue labors of love on behalf of strangers. 

The child of God seeks love through drawing proper lines of morality, valuing all people, and being consistent in kindness and charity. 

2) Instead of Seeking Revenge, Seek Unity 

Romans 12:14-16 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 

Paul calls for unity over division. Jesus prayed for oneness among believers (John 17:20-21). The Lord desires agreement and harmony, but how can we seek unity in difficult situations? It is required that we bless (speak good on, well of) our enemies. Christians must have a generous spirit of grace and benevolence toward all. Jesus has modeled this behavior perfectly (Luke 23:34). God’s kindness extends to the unthankful (Luke 6:35-36) and His desire is for all to be saved (1 Tim 2:3-4). If we desire harmony, then we need to align our thinking with the mind of God. 

God calls on us to seek to understand one another. What is more difficult, to rejoice with those rejoicing or to weep with those weeping? If we lack compassion, it is harder to weep with those who weep. If we are prone to jealousy, it is harder to rejoice with those who rejoice. The way out of these snares is unselfish thinking. In the Lord’s church, what affects one of us, affects all of us – we are one body (1 Cor 12:26-27; Eph 4:4). 

We can have the same mind (match in understanding) by letting God’s Word lead the way. Unity isn’t accomplished by attacking someone until they agree to share our opinion. We must never allow foolish pride to blind us to truth (Prov 26:12; Isa 5:21). Christians are instructed to associate (go together with) all, even the lowliest. Pride and respect of persons go hand in hand. Too often we are talking, when we should be listening (Prov 10:19; 13:1-3; 17:27; 19:20). Don’t refuse to listen to someone while demanding that they hear you! 

The child of God seeks unity through consistently wishing others well, remembering the church family is one, and maintaining a proper attitude of humility. 

3) Instead of Seeking Revenge, Seek Peace 

Romans 12:17-19 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. 

The apostle calls for peace among mankind. Paul would use the same terminology in this letter to describe Jehovah as the “God of peace” (Rom 15:33; 16:20). We know the importance of goodwill and serenity, but how do we seek peace in difficult situations? First, we are commanded not to seek revenge. To do so would only initiate and prolong a cycle of misdeeds. Where the Bible says, “repay no one evil for evil,” we understand how two wrongs do not make a right. To put it another way, the evil done by someone else does not justify an evil action from me! The term for evil in Romans 12 describes what is of a bad nature. These violent words or actions are worthless (having no benefit), depraved (immoral), and destructive. Second, we are commanded to have regard (look beforehand, consider in advance) what is good. The term for good denotes what is honest and beautiful. This goodwill is “in the sight of all,” meaning we are not giving enemies something in our lives to point to in accusation. We will not play the hypocrite! 

We are further directed to “live peaceably” (cultivate and keep peace) with all. If you are a true child of God, then how could you not be a peacemaker (Matt 5:9)? Peace is not always achieved, however, even when we do everything right. Peace will sometimes fail simply because multiple parties are involved. Choosing to be a friend to all, you will at times encounter stubborn foes. Don’t fret and don’t get heated. Remember, a harsh word stirs up more anger while a softer answer turns away violent passion (Prov 15:1). God’s instruction is to look to your part. As much as depends on us, we will behave peaceably. It is a powerful truth – we cannot control the actions of others, but we must control our reactions! 

So, if we cannot give our enemies the punishment they’ve earned, how will they be corrected? Verse 19 shows us not to avenge ourselves (retaliate) because that role belongs to God. It is required that you and I would give place (leave a spot for) the wrath of God. The Almighty has declared that vengeance belongs to Him (Deut 32:35, 41). At times, God does this directly. At times, He utilizes His “minister” – the governing powers. Rulers, magistrates, and proper authorities are ordained of God and do not bear the sword in vain (Rom 13:1-4). It is rebellious and inappropriate for mankind to interfere with that which properly belongs to God. Do not attempt to crawl up into God’s throne! Christians are not to “take the law into their own hands” or advocate vigilantism. Of course, man is imperfect, and courts can make improper rulings. We must remind ourselves the physical consequences of evil pale in comparison to the spiritual ones. Whatever is not set right in this life is a small matter compared to eternity! 

The child of God seeks peace through restraining desires to cause harm, doing his part to maintain peace, and having respect for God’s proper authoritative role. 

4) Instead of Seeking Revenge, Seek to Overcome 

Romans 12:20-21 Therefore "IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Finally, Paul will deliver the conclusion of this lesson. Our desire is for our spirit to be victorious over our flesh (Rom 8:1-14; Gal 5:16-17), but how do we seek to overcome in difficult situations? The Bible promotes continuing kindness and charity. Paul uses a quotation from Proverbs 25:21-22. Rather than doing harm and seeking revenge, our model is seen in providing for the good of others. Again, this mirrors the words of our Lord, “do good to those who hate you” (Matt 5:44). What results from these acts of kindness? Repaying someone’s evil with good puts “coals of fire” on their head. As I heard my mother say it, “you need to kill them with kindness!” We shame the wrongdoer and extend to them a powerful wake-up call. David produced a similar reaction in King Saul when he spared his life (1 Sam 24:16-20). The preferred way of defeating enemies is changing them to friends.  

The last verse in the chapter talks of overcoming. This word, in the original language, speaks to victory and conquering. Don’t let evil have victory over you. If your heart is set on revenge and you are dwelling on those wicked thoughts, then you’ve been overpowered by wickedness. We must redouble our efforts to abhor evil and cling to good – to stimulate faith in Christ (John 16:33; 1 Jn 5:4). Our desire is to have victory over evil, that only comes in doing good. Our country needs so dearly to learn this lesson, evil cannot be conquered by more evil. If Satan can convince you to lower yourself to the level of your enemies, then he wins you as well as them. Don’t be Satan’s follower, seek to overcome! 

The child of God seeks to overcome through dedicating himself to kindness, allowing his enemies to see their error, and showing a continuing refusal of evil conduct. 

This is a study which must continue in your own mind and in your own heart. It is necessary for us to seek God’s way of doing things and to desire reconciliation over revenge. As tempers flare and society around us becomes enraged, let Christians be the voice of calm. May we reject the public narrative so often designed to divide and foster hate. May we desire to be like our God, who loves all and wants good for all. May we prayerfully demonstrate that focus and desire in the choices we make.