Vengeance Is God’s Possession

Do you have enemies? No matter how good and kind and benevolent we may be, we will still have enemies. No one is better than Jesus Christ and even he had enemies. How should we deal with our enemies? Paul reveals the answer in Romans 12:17-21.

Paul begins his instruction by saying, “Repay no one evil for evil” (12:17). David had the opportunity to take the life of King Saul, who sought to kill him, but he left the matter in the hands of the Lord (1 Sam. 26:8-11 cf; 17-25). Let us abide by the example and heed the advice of Solomon: “Do not say, I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work” (Prov. 24:29).

A good principle for each of us to emulate is, “Have regard for good things in the sight of all men” (12:17b). Paul was one wanting to provide “honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor. 8:21).

Jesus had said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” (Matt. 5:9). Paul also encouraged the Roman Christians, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably will all men” (12:18). Even though it may not always be possible to achieve, we should always seek a peaceful solution. But, “as much as depends on” us, we should strive for peace.

To whom does vengeance belong? “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Revenge should never be a consideration for Christians. “Do not say, I will recompense evil; wait for the Lord, and He will save you” (Prov. 20:22). When our enemies oppress us, let us remember “the Lord is the avenger of all” (1 Thess. 4:6). Let us never usurp the Lord’s in his right and ability to take vengeance. As David declared in the Psalms, “O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs— O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth (Psa 94:1)! In the book of Nahum is contained this revelation about God: “God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; The Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies” (Nah 1:2). It has always been my experience to allow God to take vengeance on your enemies, for he not only has had more experience doing it, but he also is better at it than you will ever be.

The apostle next quotes from Proverbs 25:21-22. “Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; If he thirsts, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head” (12:20). Jesus taught that we should love our enemies, do good to them, bless them, and pray for them (Lk. 6:27-36). This type of response is how we “heap coals of fire on his head.”

The closing encouragement is, “Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (12:21). Jesus could have called down twelve legions of angels on His enemies (Matt. 26:53). However, He prayed for their forgiveness (Lk. 23:34). Brethren, this is our perfect example to follow.

Knowing therefore that vengeance belongs to God it is incumbent for each of us to abide by the law of God lest he takes vengeance on us. God wants each of us to abide by his will. If we don’t God will declare us to us, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matt 7:23). If we have no knowledge of God or obey not the gospel of Christ, this is what will happen to us: “. . .when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thess 1:7-9). Remember, vengeance belongs to God and He is ready, willing, and able to use it against his enemies. “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:29-31).