Vengeance: A Sinful Path To Redemption Or Not?

is vengeance a sin

The concept of vengeance is a complex and multifaceted topic that has been debated throughout history, with a variety of perspectives and interpretations. One of the most well-known discussions on vengeance is found within the Christian religion and its interpretation of biblical teachings. The Bible, which serves as a foundational text for Christians, contains numerous references to vengeance and revenge, leaving many to question whether it is considered a sin. While the idea of an eye for an eye suggests a justifiable retaliation, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God. This conflicting guidance has sparked discussions among Christians, theologians, and philosophers, who seek to understand the ethical implications of vengeance and its place in society.

Characteristics Values
Definition "The action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or a wrong suffered at their hands"
Religious context The Bible states that revenge is a sin
Biblical references "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' (Romans 12:19); "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:38-39)
Alternative to revenge "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44); "Do not repay anyone evil for evil" (Romans 12:17)

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God forbids vengeance

In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 32:35 states: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them." This is reiterated in the New Testament in Romans 12:19: "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.'"

The Bible teaches that vengeance is a matter for God alone. Humans are sinful creatures, and therefore incapable of taking revenge with pure motives. Only God can bring about true justice and restoration when someone has been wronged.

Jesus reinforced this message in his Sermon on the Mount: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also" (Matthew 5:38-39).

Christians are instructed to respond to personal injury with forgiveness and love, rather than retaliation. This is exemplified in Jesus' final words on the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

Instead of seeking revenge, Christians are called to "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). This means showing love and kindness, even to those who have wronged them.

By trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, Christians can resist the temptation to take revenge and instead leave room for God's perfect retribution.

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Revenge satisfies sinful passions

The desire for revenge is a natural response to being wronged. When someone hits you, your instinct is to hit them back. When someone gossips about you, you want to do the same to them. However, revenge is a sin.

The Bible states that revenge is not an option for Christians. Instead, they should leave vengeance to God. In Deuteronomy, God says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them" (Deuteronomy 32:35). This is echoed in the New Testament: "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'" (Romans 12:19).

The satisfaction of revenge is purely sinful. Theologian John Stott wrote, "It is good never to retaliate, because if we repay evil for evil, we double it, adding a second evil to the first, and so increasing the tally of evil in the world." The passion for revenge is not a holy passion. It is a sinful desire that should be quelled, not satisfied.

Jesus demonstrated this during his earthly ministry. In his Sermon on the Mount, he preached that his followers should abandon revenge and not resist evil. "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also" (Matthew 5:38-39). Jesus himself forgave those who persecuted and crucified him, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

Christians are called to follow Jesus' example and love their enemies. "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath" (Romans 12:17-19). Instead of striking back, Christians should actively bless those who hurt them. "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink" (Romans 12:20).

By seeking revenge, we assume the role of God and attempt to take justice into our own hands. However, only God can bring about true justice and restoration. He knows the big picture and will allow for the best course of justice. We can trust that he will avenge us and make things right.

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God will enact justice

The Bible has a lot to say about revenge and vengeance. While humans may be inclined to seek revenge when wronged, the Bible is clear that vengeance belongs to God and that He will repay. This is a crucial concept in Christianity, as it underscores the belief that God is a just and merciful God who will judge all people and punish those who have done wrong.

The idea that God will enact justice is found in both the Old and New Testaments. In Deuteronomy, God says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them" (Deuteronomy 32:35). This is quoted in the New Testament in Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30, emphasizing its importance. God's justice will be perfect and pure, and it will be carried out according to His timing.

As humans, we are fallible and cannot take revenge with pure motives. We may overreact or retaliate in a way that causes more harm. Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, instructs his followers to turn the other cheek and not to resist an evil person (Matthew 5:38-39). Instead of seeking revenge, Christians are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44).

By leaving vengeance to God, Christians can trust that He will bring about true and just retribution. God sees the big picture and knows the pain and hardship of injustice. He promises to make things right for those who have been wronged. As the righteous judge, God will punish those who have offended and rejected Him, and He will do so perfectly and justly.

Waiting for God's justice can be challenging, but it is an important part of the Christian faith. Christians are called to place their confidence in God's sovereignty and trust that He will enact justice in His own time. This trust in God's justice can bring peace and comfort to those who have been hurt or betrayed.

In summary, the Bible is clear that vengeance belongs to God alone. He will enact justice and punish those who have done wrong. Christians are called to wait patiently for God's justice, trusting in His perfect timing and righteousness.

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Vengeance is the Lord's task

The Bible is clear that vengeance is the Lord's task, not that of humans. In the Old Testament, God says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them" (Deuteronomy 32:35). This is quoted in the New Testament in Romans 12:19, where 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.'"

The Bible teaches that humans should not seek revenge or bear grudges, but instead should love their neighbours as themselves (Leviticus 19:18). This is because only God can bring about true justice and restoration when someone has been wronged. As the righteous judge, God alone knows the big picture and can decide on the appropriate avenged outcome for every injustice.

Jesus reinforced this teaching in his Sermon on the Mount, where he told his followers to "turn the other cheek" and not resist evil (Matthew 5:38-42). He taught that his disciples should not expect justice from an unregenerate society, but should instead place their confidence in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice (Matthew 6:19-21).

The proper Christian attitude towards vengeance is to leave room for God's wrath and allow Him to bring vengeance upon those who have done wrong. This does not mean that Christians should not defend their families or their countries, but rather that they should not seek personal vengeance for personal injuries.

Instead of seeking revenge, Christians are instructed to:

  • Love their neighbours (Matthew 5:44)
  • Wait for the Lord to avenge them (Proverbs 20:22)
  • Forgive those who have wronged them (Mark 11:25)
  • Pray for those who have mistreated them (Luke 6:28)
  • Do good to their enemies (Romans 12:20-21)

By following these instructions, Christians can keep their hearts pure and holy, trusting that God will make things right when they have been wronged.

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Christians should not seek revenge

The Bible has a great deal to say about revenge, and it is clear that Christians should not seek it.

Firstly, God forbids vengeance. The Bible states that vengeance is the Lord's and that he will repay in his own time and in a way that is right and perfect. God is the righteous judge, and he decides the avenged outcome of every injustice. He is all-knowing and sovereign, and the only one who can bring about just vengeance.

Secondly, Jesus taught his followers to abandon vengeful pseudo-justice. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus preached a radical message that his followers should not seek revenge on those who harm them. He said, "Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also" (Matthew 5:39). Jesus taught the redemptive ways of forgiveness and love, and he lived this out by forgiving those who persecuted him, even on the cross.

Thirdly, seeking revenge will not undo the harm suffered. It will not make the victim feel better, and it will increase the tally of evil in the world. Instead, Christians are called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). This may seem impossible, but with Jesus' help, anything is possible.

Fourthly, God is in control, and he will make things right. He knows the pain and hardship of injustice, and he promises to make things right for those who have been mistreated. Christians can trust that God will bring about justice, and that he loves his children and will take care of them.

Lastly, Christians should remember the example of Jesus and other biblical figures who chose against vengeance and rested in God's justice. For instance, Joseph had the right and power to avenge himself against his brothers but instead demonstrated a holy trust in God's sovereign purposes.

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