Forgiveness – But I want ReVenGE!

Have you ever had something taken from you such as self-worth, sense of safety, time, money, or trust? These are only a few things that can be stolen by an offender. Depending on the circumstances, we ultimately have something robbed from our human dignity through an offense. Often times, there is a sense of anger that builds from injustice and we naturally want to go and “make it right.” This desire for justice can develop into a hunger for revenge, if it goes unchecked. Depending on the severity of the offense, our imagination can run wild, “Hang them from the gallows!” Justice cries out from within.

Our sense of anger and justice are familiar to God, “God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Ps 7:11) God Himself does not like injustice. We see through out the Old Testament, especially in the book of Leviticus, God establishing the laws for the Israelites. He set this standard because God knew what things could snare mankind. By setting boundaries, the people would have the opportunity to live in peace with God and man. We see many of the laws that govern our nation rooted in these Biblical truths. Some offenses break our civil law and require our justice system to step in. These civil injustices would include murder, rape, and stealing. However, we do not see people serving jail time for lying, gossiping, or cheating. These non-civil offenses are still offenses and can rightfully brew anger to the one on the receiving end.

God’s desire to stand for justice with “non-civil offenses” is found in the Old Testament as well. At one point God was so angry with some of His people for their attitudes that he opened the earth and swallowed them up. The accusations, grumbling, and complaining stopped immediately! (Num 16:32) We can imagine this must have taken quite some time for God to make such a drastic decision because we know, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” (Ps 103:8)

It is a normal reaction to be angry and want justice from an offense. The way we handle it can make a difference in both your life and the offenders. The Old Testament laws established that we can have justice for wrong doing. However, the New Testament teaches us to handle situations a little bit differently.

The laws are still important, but grace is emphasized. Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." (Matt 5:17) God’s established law remains because humanity is vulnerable to wrong doing. Christ came to overcome the short comings of man in this fallen world. Now through Christ rather than having an, “Eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth,” we are given a portion of grace. (Matt 5:38) This understanding strengthens us to overcome the offenses brought upon us by those who either willingly or unwillingly brought offense into our lives, “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Jn 1:16) Who knows, forgiveness may be the very key to setting our offenders free.

Why so much grace to people who don't deserve it? Simple – God wants everyone to come to the saving and delivering knowledge of Jesus Christ. He has always longed for His creation to know Him and walk with Him. That is why Christ, His only Son submitted Himself to one of the most brutal types of deaths in history. (Jn 3:16&17) Just as we bail people out from difficult situations today, Christ’s life on the cross was the ultimate bailout program in history. His life sacrifice assures us that when we take our offenses to the Lord, it is important to Him. He will hear us and help us and our offender as well. Both the receiver and offender are valued by Him.

God’s love for mankind is far greater than any offense humanity may produce, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8) God longs for every person to be changed and transformed into His likeness. Whether the person is a believer or not, God wants them brought into and matured for His Kingdom. If the person is stubborn at heart, God can and does deal with that as well, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Rom 12:19)

The next time you get offended, take heart. Your anger and desire for justice is real, and so is God’s way to bring about justice. So the next time you want revenge, just say, “Go get-em Jesus!”

God Bless!

Deborah :)