In Romans 12:19 the Lord says “I will take revenge; I will pay them back”.
If anyone tried to hurt one of my kids they’re going to see a side of me that I really don’t want to have to come out. I think any father would probably feel the same way about protecting their children, including God.
In the book of Revelation we read about a side of Jesus where he isn’t exactly as nice as he was in, say, the book of John. Here’s how he is described in Revelation 19:
Revelation 19:12-16 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
I tell you this, because I really want to emphasize the power our Lord has. He’s capable of inflicting some pretty nasty wrath when he wants. He’s merciful, because out of humility he chooses to be. I want you to understand that this is who fights your battles.
But in order for him to fight our battles we have to surrender our will over to him. Naturally our flesh wants to seek out revenge on our own–the same way everyone else in the world handles revenge. Jesus wants our hearts to belong to him, and he wants to be the Lord over everything in our lives. Including revenge.
How you do this is by not getting even. Then by forgiving the person. Even if you don’t tell them you forgive them, at the very least forgive them in your heart and let go of any grudge. Forgiveness takes away the bitterness that would otherwise be left behind. Hebrews 12:15 tells us “…Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” We’re commanded to let go, and we’re rewarded with peace and joy when we do so.
Additionally, we surrender revenge to the Lord by blessing our enemies. Romans 12 also says:
Romans 12:19-21 …“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Jesus handled revenge perfectly. He not only handed it over to the Father, but asked the Father to forgive his wrongdoers.
Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”