Have you ever felt the urge to seek revenge on someone who has wronged you? While it may be a natural human reaction, the Bible teaches us to turn the other cheek and leave vengeance to God.
Today, we’ll explore some powerful Bible verses about vengeance and learn why seeking revenge is not the answer.
Bible Verses About Vengeance
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 emphasizes the importance of love and forgiveness over seeking revenge. It instructs us to treat others with kindness and not hold onto bitterness or resentment. Instead, we are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, reflecting the character of God.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.”
When facing injustices or wrongs done to us, this verse encourages us to trust in the Lord for justice rather than seeking revenge ourselves. It reminds us that God is the ultimate judge, and He will bring about justice in His timing. Waiting for the Lord’s vengeance demonstrates our faith in His sovereignty.
Romans 12:19
“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.”
This verse reinforces the message of not seeking revenge but leaving justice to God. It reminds us that taking revenge is not our responsibility but belongs to the Lord alone. By relinquishing our desire for vengeance, we demonstrate trust in God and allow Him to handle matters of justice in His perfect wisdom.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go of negative emotions. Instead of seeking revenge, we are encouraged to eliminate bitterness, anger, and malice from our hearts. In following Christ’s example, we are called to extend kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to others, recognizing that we ourselves have been forgiven by God.
Matthew 5:38-39
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
In this passage, Jesus teaches a radical approach to dealing with offenses. Rather than seeking vengeance or retaliation, He urges us to respond with love and nonviolence. By turning the other cheek, we display a spirit of humility and demonstrate our trust in God to handle matters of justice on our behalf.
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 challenges His followers to love and bless even those who harm or mistreat them. Instead of seeking vengeance, we are commanded to respond with kindness, goodwill, and prayers for our enemies. This radical command reflects the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness.
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.’”
Following the example of Jesus, this verse instructs us to go beyond merely refraining from revenge and actively do good to our enemies. By showing kindness and meeting their needs, we model the selfless love of Christ. This response can bring about conviction and transformation, stirring the hearts of our adversaries.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with goodness. Rather than retaliating, we are called to bless and show kindness to those who mistreat us. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s purposes, and we can experience His blessings in our own lives.
Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to live a life that glorifies God and reflects His righteousness. This verse reminds us not to seek revenge but instead to do what is right, even in the face of evil. Our actions should testify to the transforming power of God’s grace and love.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Praying for our enemies is a powerful way to overcome the desire for revenge. It aligns our hearts with God’s will, allowing us to see our adversaries through His eyes. By interceding for those who persecute us, we invite the Holy Spirit to work in their lives and bring about reconciliation.
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Forgiveness is a central theme in this passage. It reminds us that even when wronged repeatedly, we are to extend forgiveness to those who repent. Jesus’ teaching challenges us to forgive without limit, just as we have been forgiven by God. It is through the power of forgiveness that healing and restoration can take place.
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.”
In this verse, we are called to bear with one another’s faults, showing patience and forgiveness. Just as God has forgiven us, we are to extend forgiveness to others. This not only reflects the love of Christ but also fosters unity within the body of believers.
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
This verse encourages us to guard our thoughts and emotions, ensuring they align with the teachings of Christ. It reminds us that seeking revenge spawns arguments and divisions, hindering our relationship with God. By surrendering our thoughts to Christ, we allow Him to transform our hearts and guide our actions.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
This verse serves as a reminder that God is just, and His justice will prevail. It cautions against seeking revenge because, ultimately, we are accountable for our actions. Instead, we are called to sow seeds of righteousness, trusting that God’s perfect justice will be done in His timing.
1 Corinthians 6:7
“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
Paul addresses the issue of believers taking legal action against one another and challenges them to consider a different approach. He suggests that it may be better to endure injustice than to seek retribution. This mindset promotes unity and demonstrates trust in God’s ability to bring about justice.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between forgiveness and our relationship with God. It reminds us that as recipients of God’s forgiveness, we are called to extend forgiveness to others. By forgiving those who have wronged us, we experience the freedom and restoration that come from God’s forgiveness.
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.’”
In response to Peter’s question about the extent of forgiveness, Jesus answers with a hyperbole to convey the limitless nature of forgiveness. This verse teaches us that there should be no limit to our forgiveness. Just as God’s grace and mercy towards us are boundless, so should our forgiveness be towards others.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
The ultimate example of forgiveness is demonstrated by Jesus Himself. Even while suffering on the cross, He prayed for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. This act of forgiveness reveals the depths of God’s love and mercy and serves as an inspiration for us to forgive others, regardless of the offense.
Psalm 103:10-12
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
This Psalm reminds us of the immeasurable mercy and forgiveness of God towards us. It acknowledges that God does not deal with us according to our sins but instead removes our transgressions from us. As recipients of such undeserved grace, we are called to extend forgiveness to others.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
When addressing offenses committed against us, this verse encourages us to follow a biblical process of reconciliation. Rather than seeking revenge, we are instructed to approach the person privately and humbly point out their offense. The goal is not to condemn but to bring about repentance and restoration.
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of refraining from passing judgment on others. Instead, we are called to forgive, recognizing that we too are in need of God’s forgiveness. Just as we extend forgiveness, we will receive forgiveness from God in return.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
In the context of forgiveness, this verse highlights the significance of confession and prayer within the faith community. By admitting our faults and seeking prayer support, we position ourselves for healing and restoration. Confession also plays a role in forgiving others, as we acknowledge our own need for forgiveness.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
This verse, part of the Beatitudes, reminds us of the blessing that comes from showing mercy and compassion to others. By extending forgiveness instead of seeking revenge, we open ourselves to receiving God’s mercy and grace in return. It is through acts of mercy that we reflect the heart of God.
Psalm 130:3-4
“If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
These verses acknowledge the reality of our sinful nature and the impossibility of standing before God on our own merit. However, they also highlight the abundant forgiveness offered by the Lord. It is through this forgiveness that we are motivated to serve Him with reverence and gratitude.
Matthew 26:28
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of forgiveness. His shed blood provides the means for the forgiveness of sins for all who believe in Him. This verse points to the redemptive power of forgiveness and reminds us of the immense value God places on forgiveness.
Psalm 86:5
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
In this verse, the psalmist affirms the forgiving and loving nature of God. It reassures us that when we call upon the Lord, He responds with abundant love and forgiveness. This truth encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that forgiveness is readily available to all who seek it.
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
This verse in Isaiah provides great comfort and assurance regarding God’s forgiveness. It assures us that God not only forgives our sins but also chooses to forget them completely. Through His grace, He blots them out, allowing us to move forward in freedom, unburdened by guilt and shame.
Psalm 25:7
“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.”
When seeking forgiveness, this verse serves as a plea to God for mercy. It acknowledges our past mistakes and asks God not to remember or hold them against us. It is a reminder that God’s inherent goodness and love triumph over our shortcomings.
Acts 10:43
“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The forgiveness of sins is a central pillar of the Gospel message. This verse affirms that through believing in Jesus and His sacrifice, we receive forgiveness. It is in the name of Jesus that we find redemption and reconciliation with God, experiencing the transformative power of forgiveness.
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About the Birth of Jesus (With Commentary)
What does the Bible say About Vengeance?
In the Bible, the theme of vengeance is addressed, providing guidance on how we should approach it. The Scriptures generally discourage us from seeking revenge and taking matters into our own hands. Instead, they emphasize leaving room for God’s justice and promoting forgiveness and love.
One key verse that highlights this principle is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans (Romans 12:19, ESV): “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” This verse underscores the idea that God is the ultimate judge, and it is His role to mete out justice.
Additionally, in the teachings of Jesus, we find a call to turn the other cheek when someone wrongs us (Matthew 5:38-39, ESV). This teaching encourages us to respond to evil with goodness and patience rather than seeking revenge.
The Bible promotes forgiveness as a fundamental aspect of our faith. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15, ESV), Jesus instructs us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This highlights the idea that we should be forgiving towards others if we expect forgiveness from God.
In summary, the Bible advises us against seeking vengeance, emphasizing that it is God’s role to administer justice. Instead, we are called to respond to wrongdoing with forgiveness, love, and a reliance on God’s ultimate justice. This approach fosters a spirit of reconciliation and peace in our interactions with others.