VENGEANCE

"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men."- 1Thessalonians 5:15 Bible Passage: Romans 12:14-21. WHAT IS VENGEANCE? Vengeance is seeking to harm someone in return for a perceived offence or injury. God forbids us to avenge ourselves- Leviticus 19:18. How do you respond when someone wrong you or tries to discredit you? Do you rehearse old offences and feel hurt again? CAUSES OF VENGEANCE:- One of the causes of vengeance is failure to forgive. People try to take vengeance on past sins not forgiven. The Lord teaches us to forgive-Matthew 18:21-22, 6:14-15. Jesus Christ commands us to love our enemies, bless those who cause us, do good to those who hate us and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute us- Matthew 5:44. People go into vengeance when they try to avenge or perceiced wrong- 2 Samuel 10:1-5. Not letting go of the past is another cause of vengeance- 1 Kings 2:5-9; Mark 6:24-25. SOLUTION TO HURTS:- God does not want His children to avenge themselves. You must therefore, never reword evil for good- Proverbs 17:13; 2 Samuel 14:29-33; Luke 6:31; Romans 12:20-21. Learn to leave judgment to God- Psalms 94; Deut. 32:35; Hebrews 10:30. God is a better judge. You are limited but God is not- Acts 12:1-23. Pray for the Spirit of forgiveness. Be Christ-like because in spite of all Jesus Christ suffered, He prayed for His persecutors- Luke 23:24; Phil. 2:5-8. WHY YOU SHOULD NOT AVENGE:- * It is God's command- 1Peter 3:19; 1 Thess. 5:15; Proverbs20:22. * God's vengeance could be much more than yours- 2 Samuel 12:7-14; Romans 12:17-21; Proverbs 25:21-22. * Your refusal to avenge makes you better than others- Acts 7:59-60. * Your good can change others- Romans 12:21. As true children of God we should be christ-like. Jesus never sought revenge even when He was nailed to the cross. He offered forgiveness. Leave vengeance to God and allow Him to be the only judge. Prayer that the Lord will teach you how to close the door on past hurts in the name of Jesus Christ.