"Vengeance is the act of turning anger on yourself. On the surface it may be directed at someone else, but it is a sure fire recipe for arresting emotional recovery." —Jane Goldman, English Writer
VENGEANCE is punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong. The Old French vengier means to avenge. The Latin vindicare is to vindicate (to clear someone of blame or suspicion, to show or prove to be right, reasonable, or justified). Webster's Dictionary says vengeance is punishment given in return for an injury or offense. There is a difference between avenge and revenge. To avenge is to inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong previously done to oneself or another; or to inflict harm on behalf of oneself or someone else previously wronged or harmed. Revenge is the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong you have suffered at their hands; or the desire to inflict retribution. All these words have the same root, but different motives. In the example in the attached photo, avenging is action that is motivated by a desire for justice (just behavior or treatment; the quality of being fair and reasonable, and the administration of the law or authority in maintaining this), while revenge is motivated by anger or malice. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:
1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:1-11)
True Christ followers are to put away anger, wrath, and malice. Our motive is never to be revenge. Vengeance has an owner, and it is not us. When we step into retribution, we're in God's territory, as Paul told the Church when they were under occupation by the Roman Empire:
9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Be 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. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20Therefore “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.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-20; cf 1 Samuel 24)
A disciple of Jesus' highest desire is to be conformed to the image of Christ. Kindness in the face evil is a counter-cultural, Christlike offering of sacrifice that is redemptive. Peter wrote, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23). These are hard words to write, and they are even more difficult to live out in the midst of times of uncertainty, tribulation (great trouble or suffering) and persecution (hostility and ill-treatment).
No matter who we are...when we take on a posture of vengeance and not blessing, we are violating the tenets of King Jesus and His Kingdom. It was Jesus who, while dying on the Cross for the sins of those who hated Him said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." The rulers sneered, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” (Luke 23:34-35) It wasn't that Jesus was not who He said He was, nor that He could not have avenged Himself in that moment. He could have fought back...and would have won. When Jesus was being betrayed by Judas to be arrested, Peter tried to execute his own brand of vengeance by cutting off Malchus' ear. Jesus rebuked him, "Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?" (Matt. 26:53) Jesus didn't ask God to destroy His enemies because God's purpose was to save them through Him. Humanity's redemption would not be fulfilled if Jesus did not go to the Cross... so He decided to die to save you and me. Jesus left vengeance to is rightful owner, His Father. In doing so, won for us the ultimate victory forever!
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