by[19] “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19 (NIV)
I remember how common the word “revenge” was used by my classmates in school when I was a little boy. Several children preferred to hit back at one another for the offence their friends did to them instead of leaving it to God or reporting it to their teacher. That is why some children fight a lot. But I realised that as I grew older, those things were childish. However, I have also noticed that the magnitude of offences people commit against others increases as they mature. While children are fighting over toffees and snacks, some adults are dealing with relationship problems, business cheating and other heinous crimes you can ever imagine. From this, I can conclude that for scripture to say, “Do not take revenge,” it is not only for kids but also all people, especially believers in Christ.
It is in Christ a child of God can learn true forgiveness, which has the power to make one drop all forms of vengeful thoughts against the offender. If you know how much God has forgiven the debt of sin you carried in your life, it will be very easy to forgive others no matter the extent of offence they have done against you.
See offences as chaff to be blown away by a multitude of corrections inspired by love and not hurt. There is more to a human being than a little offence done against you. When you fail to forgive, you are saying that that person’s offence against you is much more important than the person himself, which is not true. Instead of hurting your offender back, forgive so that two people will not be hurt more.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for forgiving and saving me when I didn’t know You. Help me never to take revenge on others for whatever wrong they have done towards me. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2026 – 047
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