Revenge is forbidden in Scripture. God alone has the right to repay wrong. Romans 12:19 commands, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Jesus taught a radical way of dealing with those who harm us. Matthew 5:38-39 says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” The principle is one of surrender, not retaliation.
Proverbs 20:22 says, “Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; wait for the Lord, and He will save you.” Trusting God to handle justice is an act of faith and obedience.
Paul exhorts believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:15, “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” Revenge belongs to the world, but the believer is called to a higher path.
Jesus modeled this at the cross. 1 Peter 2:23 says, “Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”
Forgiveness over revenge reflects the heart of Christ and leaves room for God to deal justly with all things.