Revenge is often depicted in the Bible as a natural human instinct, driven by anger and a desire for justice. However, the Lord also warns against seeking personal vengeance and promotes leaving justice to him. Instead, God emphasizes forgiveness, love, and reconciliation. Jesus taught his followers to turn the other cheek and to pray for those who wrong them.
The Bible highlights the consequences of revenge, showing that it can lead to a cycle of violence and further harm. In the story of Cain and Abel, Cain’s desire for revenge led to the first murder in human history, illustrating the destructive nature of retaliation.
One of the essential principles in the Bible is the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. This means treating others with compassion, even in the face of wrongdoing. It encourages individuals to seek reconciliation and resolution rather than harboring hatred and seeking revenge.
The Bible presents forgiveness as a transformative act that brings healing to both the one who forgives and the one who is forgiven. By letting go of the desire for revenge, individuals can find peace and live in harmony with others.
Let us read the following Bible verses in order to be careful regarding Revenge.
Hebrews 10:30
“For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people”
Mark 11:25
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses”
2 Corinthians 13:11
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you”
1 Peter 3:9
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing”
Romans 12:17
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men”
1 Peter 2:23
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”
Psalm 94:1
“O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men”
Romans 12:14
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not”
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins”
Proverbs 24:29
“Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work”
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy”
Proverbs 20:22
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord , and he shall save thee”
Leviticus 19:18
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord”
Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance”
Colossians 3:25
“But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons”
Deuteronomy 32:35
“To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste”
Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord”
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men”
1 Samuel 26:10
“David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish”
Matthew 5:40
“And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also”
Romans 13:4
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil”
2 Thessalonians 1:8
“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”
