Romans 12:19: Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Referring again to the negative (cf. v. 17a) Paul then exhorted his readers not to take revenge after they are misused. Instead they should leave room for God’s wrath (lit., “for the wrath”), because God has promised to avenge His people: It is Mine to avenge, I will repay (Heb. 10:30). David’s refusal to kill Saul on two occasions when it seemed that God had delivered Saul into David’s hands is a classic biblical example of this principle. 1
Application
- Confess your anger towards others as sin. Pray for them, instead of cursing them.
- If you want to justify your anger, your will become a very bitter person, and nothing will ever get better in your life.
Prayer
Lord, forgive my “get even” attitude. Help me to remember each day that You have never once responded to all my failings with a “get even” attitude.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.