Vengeance is Mine

Vengeance is Mine 

"Vengeance is mine; I will repay," says the Lord.

Romans 12:19 

Have you ever been the victim of someone lying about you, twisting the truth until it was unrecognizable?  Have you ever had someone try to make you the laughingstock of your social group by criticizing your looks, your dress, your speech or your actions.  When someone sinks the knife of unkindness in your back, what is your first reaction?  For many people, their first thought is to strike back…to retaliate…to get even...to extract revenge.

Revenge is defined as "a harmful action against a person or group in response to a grievance, real or perceived."  Also termed retaliation, vengeance, retribution or payback, the desire for revenge is the most common human reaction to pain and suffering inflicted by another.  You want the other person to hurt as badly as they have hurt you.  Unfortunately, however, the act of revenge often brings as much pain and suffering on the one retaliating as it does on the intended recipient.  That is why the Chinese philosopher Confucius said, "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."

All of us are faced with instances in life when we are slighted, slammed, and slugged for no apparent reason.  Getting back at the other person is almost always our opening reaction.  However, God says, “Hey - cool it.  Leave it to Me.  When all is said and done, I will see that justice is done.”  It is said,  “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”  Just be sure you let God be the waiter.

*

We must wait, wait on the Lord.

We must wait, wait on the Lord.

We must learn our lessons well,

In His timing He will tell us

What to do, what to say, where to go.

Children’s Song