Read: Romans 12
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (v. 18)
Our selfish sinful nature moves us to seek revenge. If someone hurts us, we often feel justified in causing them pain. News reports depict the revenge-seeking ex-spouse, disgruntled employee, or road rage driver. On the surface, retaliation and revenge may seem justifiable because someone has taken from us, wounded us, or betrayed us.
For those who have repented of sin and placed their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, the Bible teaches another way to respond. Verses 17-20 of Romans 12 call us to pursue peace, not revenge. Specifically, verse 18 teaches, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” The reason we are to refrain from repaying evil for evil is given in verse 19: We are to leave justice up to God. Those who hurt us will someday stand before God and give an account. He perfectly takes into account both justice and mercy. Hopefully for their sake, they will have repented and sought forgiveness for their actions, both from those they wounded and from their Creator.
Along with leaving the matter in God’s hands, believers in Jesus are challenged in verse 20 to go even further—show love to our enemies. Jesus taught this in Matthew 5:38-46. Perhaps responding with kindness rather than retaliation will convict your oppressor of their wrongdoing and reflect Christlike behavior.
As you pray, live out Matthew 5:44 by praying for those who persecute you. Ask God to help you leave the justice up to him.
Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Directors.
