Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
How frustrating is it to see people get away with all kinds of evil acts? How much more frustrating is it when we are on the receiving end? When we (a close family member or friend) are cheated, mistreated, betrayed, or injured in some way. It is sometimes enough to make us want to avenge ourself or take vegeance on behalf of the injured party. It is very easy to become bitter, and unforgiving, if we are not careful. This is not to say that we cannot be angry, for the Bible tells us that we can be angry, we just need to be careful not to cross the line, and sin in the process. For us, as God's children, we must remember that God sees all. Everything that is done to us, or those we love, does not escape the eyes of our God. He is very specific about the fact that we are to leave repayment of wrongs done to us in His hands; for there is nothing we can do that will compare to what He can do in taking vengeance or disciplining on our behalf. Should an unsaved person be the culprit, how much worse can it be for that person than to perish without Christ? Our role is to forgive, and pray for their salvation (as difficult as that might seem). If the offense is committed by a brother or sister, then he/she belongs to the Lord, and again, we are to forgive, for the sake of unity, and allow the Lord to discipline them (for He may decide that forgiveness, and grace, are in order; as I am sure that if we were the offender, we would want to receive forgiveness & grace ourself). The bottom line is that we rob ourself of peace & joy when we choose unforgiveness, and vengeance, because the things we think will satisfy our desire for revenge may not even phase the other person. This will only add to our frustration, and cause a wedge between us and the Lord, in our relationship with Him. Let us refuse to rent space in our heads to those whom God says He will take care of correcting, punishing, and taking vengeance upon. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, bring our frustrations, and hurts, to Him, and trust that He, as a fair and righteous Judge, will do whatever He deems just in any given situation. This, my brothers, and sisters, can prove to be one of our greatest tests of faith, and trust. But who better to trust than God, and what worse place, for those who hurt us, to find themselves than in the hands of an angry God?
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