Question: Does God say anything about revenge?

Answer: Yes! God clearly says we should leave the revenge taking to Him! It’s not that God does not care about us. In fact, He loves us! He understands how we can be upset and want revenge when others mistreat or harm us or our loved ones. He is also grieved by the injustice, assaults, and murders that are committed by evildoers around the world. He understands why we would want these evil people to pay for their crimes.

Our Heavenly Father also knows that those committing these injustices are allowing themselves to be used to do the evil work of Satan. Jesus Christ told us that “The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” Jesus goes on to say, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 NKJV)

Therefore, we know that Jesus wants the opposite of what Satan wants for our lives. Satan supports those who mistreat us and do evil. Jesus wants those of us who follow Him to be protected from the evil one and have an abundant life! He does not want us spending our time trying to figure out how to harm others who harm us. This would not be living abundantly.

God wants us to know that He is looking out for us. He will take care of bringing revenge against those who are doing evil against us. He tells us this many times in His word. For example, in Deuteronomy 32:35, God says to His people, “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.”

Also, in his letter to the Romans (Chapter 12:17-20) the Apostle Paul instructs the people about what God has to say concerning revenge, saying:

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. ‘Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; If he thirsts, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.'”

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (v.21)

Also, Paul writes to the Ephesians, “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.”

Leave the revenge to God. He will take care of it for you!