Power of Forgiveness: Seeking God for justice

When we have been hurt, it is easy to want to exact justice and get a person back.

Programs such as Dateline and 20/20 and stations such as Investigation Discovery are filled with stories of revenge and payback in their murder mysteries.

I know there were times, when I was so hurt, it was easy to plot revenge, but I never carried any of my plans out.

We are told in scripture that we are not to take revenge, but leave it for the Lord.  It is difficult at times to wait and be patient, especially when everything seems to be going right for that person.

But, we are told that revenge is the Lord’s and not ours to take.

Here are 15 scriptures to hold onto when we struggle with forgiveness and long for vengeance:

  1. “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with

    Is the Lord your refuge?

    blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
    1 Peter 3:9

  2. “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15
  3. “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.” Deuteronomy 32:35
  4. “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18
  5. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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. 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.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21
  6. “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12
  7. “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.” Ephesians 4:31-32
  8. “Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.” Proverbs 20:22
  9. “For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” Hebrews 10:30
  10. “Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.” Proverbs 24:29
  11. “And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”  Matthew 5:40-45
  12. “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.” Romans 12:19
  13. “The LORD is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. 2 Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.” Psalm 94:1-2
  14. ““You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and a tooth for a 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.” Matthew 5:38-39
  15. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

In closing, are you able to forgive and leave judgment to the Lord?

 

 

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