“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” -Romans 12:19
Vengeance = punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong
But…
I want to make them pay.
I want them to suffer as I have suffered because of them.
I want them to know how much they screwed up.
I want them to have remorse.
I want them to experience what I experienced, so they’ll know the pain it causes.
You may think you want those things, but seeking vengeance will rob your peace, your joy, and your sanity.
Let the Lord have vengeance so you can have peace.
Seeking vengeance is focusing on the hurt, rather than the victory.
It’s focusing on pain, rather than healing.
It’s focusing on forcing someone else, rather than taking ownership of what you can control (yourself, only)
It’s welcoming bitterness, hatred, anger, and unforgiveness into your life, and those things each bring their own destruction. And, together, they’re an unimaginable force for devastation\ in your life.
You want to be free from the memories of what happened.
You want to no longer be tormented by the anguish that occurred.
You want to see the other person distressed and miserable.
But REALLY, you’re craving peace.
You want joy back.
You want to be able to live your life and move on.
If you want those things, then let the Lord handle it.
There is NO vengeance worth the weight of carrying something that’s not meant for you (i.e. the hatred, bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness that come from harboring vengeance).
When you harbor something, it means you keep it safe and protected.
What a dreadfully terrible transaction it would be for you to keep vengeance safe and protected, at the expense of your own well-being.
IT IS NOT WORTH IT.
Letting go of vengeance doesn’t mean you approve of their actions.
It doesn’t mean they’ll be off the hook.
It doesn’t mean their actions were okay.
It doesn’t mean what they did didn’t hurt you.
It doesn’t mean everything will suddenly be just right.
But it DOES give you the freedom, peace, and joy you’re truly craving.
God will repay, as His word says. It’s best if we forgive and release.
Get on up outta that judgment seat, and let the Lord move.
