The Bible calls us to forgive rather than seek revenge. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture helps us overcome feelings of vengeance and trust in God’s justice instead.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Untrue
What Does The Bible Say About Being Vindictive
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
This verse reminds us not to seek revenge or hold grudges against others. Instead, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, following God’s example.
Vindictiveness goes against the principles of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation that God teaches. It is important to remember that it is not our place to seek revenge, but to leave justice to God and show love and mercy towards others.
Proverbs 24:29
“Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.’”
This verse cautions against the desire for revenge or retaliation. It advises us not to repay others for their actions towards us, but to display forgiveness and grace.
Seeking revenge perpetuates a cycle of hurt and harm. God calls us to break that cycle by choosing forgiveness and entrusting justice to Him, knowing that He will ultimately bring about justice in His perfect timing and way.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
In these verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. He teaches that if we want to receive God’s forgiveness, we must be willing to forgive others.
Being vindictive contradicts the forgiveness that God extends to us. When we choose to forgive, we release ourselves from the burden of bitterness and resentment, allowing God’s love and grace to flow through us.
Romans 12:17-19
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Paul’s words in this passage admonish believers to not repay evil with evil. Instead, we are encouraged to pursue what is right and strive for peaceful relationships with others, leaving justice to God.
Vindictiveness disrupts peace and hinders our witness as Christians. By displaying kindness and a willingness to forgive, we reflect God’s character and allow Him to work out justice according to His perfect plan.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.”
This verse advises against seeking personal vengeance but rather entrusting justice to God. It encourages patience in waiting for the Lord to right the wrongs committed against us.
When we trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about justice, we can let go of the desire for vindication. We can find peace in knowing that God sees all things and will ultimately ensure that justice is served.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Paul encourages believers to avoid retaliating against wrongs committed against them. Instead, the focus should be on doing good to one another and showing kindness to all people.
By rejecting revenge and embracing a spirit of love and goodwill, we can be a positive influence on others and reflect the character of Christ in our interactions.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”
This passage teaches us to respond to the mistreatment of our enemies with acts of kindness and compassion. By doing so, we may create an opportunity for repentance and restoration.
Vindictiveness is replaced with surprising acts of love and grace. Through our actions, we can demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love and potentially lead others to reconciliation and forgiveness.
Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Jesus instructs His followers to respond to hatred and mistreatment with love, doing good, and praying for those who harm us.
Vindictiveness is radically challenged by the call to love and bless our enemies. By responding with kindness and praying for those who wrong us, we demonstrate our trust in God’s ability to transform hearts and bring about reconciliation.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
These verses are part of Jesus’ teaching on fulfilling the law through love. He instructs His followers not only to love their neighbors but also to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.
Seeking vengeance is counter to the love Jesus calls us to demonstrate. By showing love and compassion even to our enemies, we imitate God’s boundless love and offer them the opportunity to experience His transformative grace.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Paul urges believers not to allow evil actions or intentions to control their responses. Instead, he calls them to conquer evil by responding with good.
Vindictiveness can perpetuate a cycle of evil and harm. By choosing goodness and responding with acts of love and kindness, we break that cycle and invite God’s redemptive power to transform situations and relationships.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and patience in relationships. He urges believers to bear with one another and forgive as they have been forgiven by the Lord.
Vindictiveness destroys unity and reconciliation. By choosing forgiveness, we extend the same grace and mercy that God has shown us, promoting healing and restoration within relationships.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
Jesus teaches the disciples about the limitless nature of forgiveness. He emphasizes that forgiveness should be extended generously and without number.
Vindictiveness limits forgiveness and forbearance. Jesus challenges us to release grudges and continually extend forgiveness, reflecting the abundant love and mercy that God has lavished upon us.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Paul instructs believers to demonstrate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards one another in imitation of Christ’s forgiveness of us.
Vindictiveness opposes kindness and compassion. The call to forgive aligns us with the heart of God, allowing His love and forgiveness to flow through us and foster unity within the body of Christ.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'”
While on the cross, Jesus fervently prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him. His prayer exemplifies the ultimate act of forgiveness and mercy towards His enemies.
Vindictiveness contradicts the selfless forgiveness that Jesus displayed. Following His example, we can extend forgiveness to others, recognizing that they may not fully comprehend the consequences of their actions.
Psalm 37:8-9
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret–it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”
This psalm encourages us to avoid anger and retaliatory measures. Instead, we are urged to trust in the Lord, knowing that He will bring justice to evildoers.
Vindictiveness perpetuates a cycle of anger and evil. By placing our hope in the Lord and choosing to respond in accordance with His teachings, we can find peace and rest in His promises.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
James encourages believers to be slow to anger and quick to listen. He emphasizes that human anger is not productive in accomplishing the righteousness that God desires.
Vindictiveness often arises from hasty and uncontrolled anger. By choosing to respond with patience and understanding, we demonstrate the righteousness that God desires and invite His transformative work in our lives and relationships.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Peter instructs believers not to retaliate with evil or insults when faced with mistreatment. Rather, they are to respond with blessings, recognizing the promise of an inheritance of blessings in Christ.
Vindictiveness perpetuates a cycle of evil and animosity. By choosing to bless and respond with kindness, we embody the principles of the Kingdom of God and position ourselves to receive His abundant blessings.
Hebrews 10:30
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’”
This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate judge and avenger. He will bring about justice and judgment according to His perfect wisdom and timing.
Vindictiveness stems from a desire to take matters into our own hands. By trusting in God’s sovereignty and leaving justice to Him, we find peace and assurance that He will execute judgment according to His righteous standards.
2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
Paul advises Timothy on the qualities and demeanor that a servant of the Lord should possess. Kindness and gentleness, rather than resentment and quarrelsomeness, should characterize their interactions with opponents.
Vindictiveness hinders the opportunity for repentance and reconciliation. By responding with kindness and gentleness, we create an environment where opponents may be open to receiving the truth of the Gospel.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Paul’s famous description of love in Corinthians teaches us that love is characterized by patience, kindness, forgiveness, and selflessness.
Vindictiveness opposes the attributes of love. By choosing love over vengeance, we demonstrate the selfless and forgiving love that God has shown us, fostering healthy relationships and reflecting His nature to the world.
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
Jesus challenges His followers to love their enemies, do good to them, and lend without expecting repayment. By doing so, we reflect the character of God, who extends kindness to all, regardless of their actions or gratitude.
Choosing vindictiveness relies on reciprocation, whereas love and forgiveness extend beyond what is expected or deserved. This counter-cultural love displays the transformative power of God’s grace and can lead to the redemption of our enemies.
Romans 12:20
“On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’”
Paul quotes from Proverbs, urging believers to respond to the needs of their enemies with acts of kindness and provision. This approach may lead to conviction and repentance.
Vindictiveness seeks to harm enemies, while kindness seeks their restoration. By embracing this radical love, we may have the opportunity to influence our enemies positively and witness transformative change.