The Danger of Taking Revenge: A Call to Righteousness By: Major Frank Materu

Key Scripture: 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."

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Introduction

In a world where injustice, betrayal, and opposition are common, the natural human reaction is to seek revenge. Many believe that taking matters into their own hands will bring justice and satisfaction. However, the Word of God teaches us otherwise. The scriptures are clear that vengeance belongs to the Lord alone. When individuals take revenge themselves, they are acting in rebellion against God’s authority and wisdom.

Revenge is a manifestation of carnality and pride, leading people away from God's righteousness. It is a tactic the enemy uses to lure believers into disobedience, making them assume that they are capable of executing justice better than God. The call to believers is to trust in the divine justice of God, resist the urge for retaliation, and walk in humility and obedience to His will.

This teaching will explore the spiritual dangers of revenge, the command to submit to God’s will, and how to cultivate a heart that seeks righteousness over retaliation.

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Vengeance Belongs to God

Scripture makes it clear that vengeance is God’s responsibility, not ours. Deuteronomy 32:35 states, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them." This verse affirms that God is fully aware of every injustice and that He will act in His perfect time and manner.

When people take revenge into their own hands, they step out of God’s will and assume a position that belongs to Him alone. Such an act is not only disobedient but also dangerous, as it leads to spiritual compromise.

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The Spirit of Rebellion in Revenge

Revenge is often fueled by rebellion against God’s authority. 1 Samuel 15:23 declares, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry." When individuals reject God’s command to leave vengeance to Him, they align themselves with the spirit of rebellion, which is detestable to the Lord.

Instead of acting on fleshly impulses, believers must yield to the Holy Spirit and trust in God’s righteous judgment. To act in revenge is to defy divine order and submit to carnal emotions rather than spiritual obedience.

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Pride: The Root of Revenge

One of the driving forces behind revenge is pride. When people believe they must avenge themselves, they are often motivated by the desire to protect their reputation or prove their strength. However, Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

Pride deceives individuals into thinking they are justified in taking matters into their own hands. Yet, the truly strong and mature believer understands that humility and trust in God are the true marks of spiritual victory.

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The Example of Jesus in Forgiveness

Jesus, in His most painful and unjust suffering, chose forgiveness over revenge. Luke 23:34 records His words on the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Christ did not seek vengeance against His persecutors; instead, He entrusted Himself to the righteous judgment of God. His example teaches us that true victory is found in surrendering to God’s justice rather than seeking personal retaliation.

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Overcoming the Temptation for Revenge

The devil tempts believers to seek revenge by appealing to their emotions and fleshly desires. However, scripture teaches that we must resist such temptations. James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

By submitting to God and resisting the devil’s lure, believers can overcome the urge for revenge and walk in the peace that comes from trusting in divine justice.

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Summary

Revenge is a deception that leads believers away from God’s righteousness. The Bible clearly teaches that vengeance belongs to God alone. Taking revenge into our own hands is an act of rebellion and pride that aligns us with the enemy rather than with God. Instead, we must follow Christ’s example of forgiveness and trust in God’s justice.

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Conclusion

Choosing not to seek revenge is an act of faith and obedience. It requires trusting that God sees every injustice and will act in His perfect time. Instead of allowing emotions and pride to dictate our actions, we must remain submitted to God’s will. The way of righteousness is not in taking matters into our own hands but in surrendering to the Lord’s judgment.

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Call to Action

Examine your heart today. Have you been holding onto resentment and the desire for revenge? Surrender it to God. Choose to trust Him with your battles and allow Him to fight for you. Seek His justice, not your own. Commit to walking in forgiveness and obedience to His Word.

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Final Word of Encouragement

God sees every wrong done against you, and He is the righteous judge. Do not let anger, pride, or pain lead you into rebellion. Instead, place your trust in Him. Be patient and know that He is working all things for your good. As you resist the temptation for revenge, you will grow stronger in faith and be a true reflection of Christ’s love and character.

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Salvation Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I come before You, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I surrender my heart to You. I renounce revenge, pride, and rebellion, and I choose to walk in Your righteousness. Lord Jesus, be my Savior and guide me in the path of obedience. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to trust in Your justice. Thank You for Your love and salvation.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.