The bible speaks extensively and decisively on the issue of revenge. Exodus 23:4-5 states, “If you meet your enemy’s ox or donkey going astray, you shall bring it back. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him”. To some extent, it appears easy to understand how the Bible forbids revenge since it has traditionally been seen as a form of justice from the ancient period onward. However, in Christian terms, revenge is seen as an immoral act that should not be done under any circumstances.
In addition, Leviticus 19:18 states, “love your neighbor as yourself.” In other words, the bible speaks of loving one’s neighbor as a means of demonstrating love and forgiveness, rather than taking revenge on a person. This passage is well summed up by Romans 12:17-19: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord”. This is a clear indication that revenge is seen as an act of aggression taken by an individual, rather than an act of justice in the eyes of the Lord.
Furthermore, Luke 6:27-31 says, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This passage provides a clear indication that God doesn’t believe in revenge or retaliation, as it goes against His teachings.
There is also the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-41states: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for 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. 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.”
The Bible also teaches consistency and impartiality. Leviticus 19:15 states “you shall be impartial in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike; you shall not be partial to either poor or great.” This verse speaks to the importance of being consistent in situations involving revenge and understanding that one should not be partial towards either party and instead treat all people with fairness.
The bible also speaks to the importance of seeking peace rather than revenge. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.“ This passage speaks to the importance of understanding that revenge is a path that should not be taken, but rather peace should always be sought. This passage also states that one should not take revenge, but instead, leave it up to God.
In conclusion, the Bible is clear in its disapproval of taking revenge. It speaks to the importance of being impartial and seeking peace and justice instead of vengeance. It states that revenge is an immoral act and should never be taken upon.
What The Bible Says About Forgiveness
When it comes to taking revenge, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 states, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” This verse is a clear indication that God’s ideal is for us to forgive, rather than take revenge. Furthermore, Colossians 3:13 states “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” This passage is a reminder that we should strive to forgive each other, rather than taking revenge, as God has forgiven us of our sins.
In addition, Matthew 18:21-22 states, “Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” This passage is a clear indication that God believes forgiveness should be given freely, even in situations where an individual has sinned against another multiple times. Furthermore, this passage is also a reminder that revenge should not be taken and instead, forgiveness should be the equation we seek.
The Bible also speaks to the importance of reconciliation rather than revenge. Matthew 5:24 states, “leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” This passage emphasizes the importance of being reconciled with those whom we have sinned against rather than taking revenge. Furthermore, this passage is also a reminder that in order to be reconciled with one another, we must forgive those whom we sin against rather than seeking revenge.
Finally, the Bible speaks to the power of grace and mercy. Hebrews 4:16 states, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This is a reminder that we should seek mercy and grace rather than revenge, as God is always willing to forgive and show mercy towards those who seek it. We should also strive to do the same.
What The Bible Says About Punishment
While the Bible speaks out against taking revenge, it does not mean that it is against punishment. In the Old Testament, there are many examples of God punishing those who do wrong or go against His commandments. One example is in Leviticus 24:10-16, which states, “The man who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him.” This passage is a clear reminder that God does not take kindly to those who go against Him and that He knows how to punish those who go against His will.
In addition, Exodus 21:23-25 states, “if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” This verse is a clear indication that God does not favor revenge, but instead, believes in the concept of punishment and retribution as a means of maintaining justice. Furthermore, it also serves as a reminder that one should strive to bring about justice rather than taking revenge.
Deuteronomy 19:15-21 also states, “one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days; And the judges shall make diligent inquisition”. This passage is a reminder that God believes justice should be sought through the proper channels, such as through the court system, rather than taking matters into one’s own hands and seeking revenge.
What The Bible Says About Turning The Other Cheek
One of the main teachings of the Bible when it comes to revenge is to turn the other cheek. This is a well-known phrase that is often associated with the teachings of Jesus. This is found in Matthew 5:39, which states, “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.” This passage is a clear indication that Jesus does not believe in taking revenge, but instead believes in turning the other cheek in order to avoid escalating a situation.
In addition, 1 Peter 3:8-9 states, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” This passage is a reminder that we should not retaliate when faced with an evil deed, but rather we should respond with love, kindness, and compassion.
Furthermore, Romans 12:17-21 states “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This passage clearly speaks to the importance of not seeking revenge, but rather seeking justice through peaceful means.
What The Bible Says About Justice
The Bible also speaks extensively to the importance of justice. In Deuteronomy 19:15-21, it states “one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days; And the judges shall make diligent inquisition”. This passage is a reminder that justice should be sought through the proper channels and that revenge should not be taken.
In addition, Isaiah 1:17 states, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” This passage speaks to the importance of seeking justice through peaceful means and that revenge is the wrong path to take. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the plight of those who are disadvantaged or have been wronged and striving to right those wrongs.
Psalm 10:17-18 also states, “O Lord, you hear the desire of the
