We certainly like to get revenge, to extract our pound of flesh from anyone who has done us wrong. The teaching of the Bible, though, is crystal clear, seeking revenge is never right for individuals; “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). God’s will for us, rather, is to love those who hate us; to pray for those who mistreat us; to do good to our enemies; to turn the other cheek.
Some will answer, doesn’t the Bible advocate an eye for an eye? It does, but only in the context of the state. That is, the government is to operate under the principle of strict justice, the individual never is. We are to relate to people in the knowledge that God will make all things right in the end.
Some will answer, doesn’t the Bible advocate an eye for an eye? It does, but only in the context of the state. That is, the government is to operate under the principle of strict justice, the individual never is. We are to relate to people in the knowledge that God will make all things right in the end.
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