Dear friends, do you ever feel inclined to retaliate? It is almost human nature, instinctive, to do to others as they’ve done to you. Yet, such actions of recompense are not the Christian way.
The Bible cautions against vengeance:
“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil,’ wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.”
Proverbs 20:22 ESV
“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.’”
Romans 12:19 ESV
In the events leading to David’s rise to the throne, as sole leader and ruler of Israel, he showed remarkable strength and restraint. While David did execute those who killed Saul and his sons (II Sam. 1:15; 4:9-12), he did not assume to take God’s place as final judge.
In example, after David’s newly acquisitioned ally, Abner, was murdered, David did not retaliate:
“And the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great
man has fallen this day in Israel? And I was gentle today, though anointed
king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The LORD
repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!”
II Samuel 3:38-39 ESV
Notice David’s resolution to allow God to decide the fate of the perpetrators. This is not to say the Christ-follower cannot discern consequences or crimes; however, David’s actions are a perfect illustration of how the Christian ought to trust God’s judgement.
When a guilty party, in an American court of law, is sentenced in a way that (in our eyes) does not seem to fit the crime, we question God. In similar situations, many grieve and wish a more severe punishment to the guilty party. Yet, those who presume to pass judgment forget God is the true judge.
God is the final authority on punitive matters; praise his name all punishment due sinners was paid for on Calvary. One must always trust God; when we wait on God we lose no time.
Jake Roberts is Minister of the Lecompte
Church of Christ, Lecompte, LA