As Christians, we are often tempted to respond to wrongs with anger and retaliation. However, God’s Word provides clear guidance on how to approach the topic of vengeance. The Bible teaches that vengeance belongs to God, and we are called to trust Him with justice. The following passages provide wisdom, comfort, and instruction on how to navigate feelings of vengeance in a Christ-like way.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Revenge and Forgiveness
Vengeance Belongs to God
Scripture consistently teaches that vengeance is not ours to take. God is just and holy, and He alone has the authority to judge and repay. These verses remind us to leave vengeance in His hands, trusting that He will deal righteously with all wrongdoing.
Romans 12:19
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 32:35
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.”
Hebrews 10:30
“For we know the one who said, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his own people.””
Psalm 94:1
“O Lord, the God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, let your glorious justice shine forth!”
Nahum 1:2
“The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies!”
Do Not Repay Evil for Evil
It is natural to want to respond to evil with evil, but God calls His people to a higher standard. We are to act with kindness and leave room for God’s justice. These verses encourage us to overcome evil with good and show mercy as Christ has shown to us.
1 Peter 3:9
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”
Proverbs 20:22
“Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.”
Romans 12:17
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.”
Matthew 5:39
“But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”
Trusting God’s Justice
When we are wronged, we can feel frustrated and helpless. Yet God’s Word reassures us that He sees everything and will bring justice in His perfect timing. These verses remind us to place our confidence in God’s justice and not take matters into our own hands.
Psalm 37:28
“For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die.”
Isaiah 30:18
“So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.”
Ecclesiastes 3:17
“I said to myself, “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.””
Micah 7:7
“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.”
Psalm 9:7-8
“But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.”
Jesus’ Teaching on Forgiveness
Jesus taught His followers to live lives marked by mercy, not revenge. He modeled radical forgiveness, even to those who persecuted Him. These verses emphasize the power of forgiveness and the call to love our enemies, reflecting the grace God has given us.
Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”
Matthew 6:14-15
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!””
Mark 11:25
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Enemies
Overcoming Evil with Good
Christians are called to live in contrast to the world, responding to hatred and hurt with love and goodness. These passages show us how to overcome evil by doing good and maintaining our integrity, even when mistreated. They reveal the power of godliness in changing hearts and situations.
Romans 12:21
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Galatians 6:9
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
1 Corinthians 13:5
“Love is not rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
God Will Vindicate His People
In times of injustice, God’s people can rest in the promise that He will ultimately vindicate them. He sees the suffering of His children and will act on their behalf. These verses offer encouragement that we are never forgotten, and justice will be served in God’s perfect way.
Isaiah 54:17
“But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Jeremiah 51:36
“This is what the Lord says to Jerusalem: “I will be your lawyer to plead your case, and I will avenge you. I will dry up her river, as well as her springs,””
Psalm 135:14
“For the Lord will give justice to his people and have compassion on his servants.”
Luke 18:7
“Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?”
Revelation 6:10
“They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?””
Waiting Patiently for God’s Timing
God’s timing is not ours, but it is always perfect. When we feel wronged or hurt, we must learn to wait patiently for God’s justice. These verses encourage us to trust the Lord’s process and timing, knowing that He is always working on our behalf, even when we can’t see it.
Lamentations 3:25-26
“The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.”
James 5:7-8
“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.”
Psalm 27:14
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Habakkuk 2:3
“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”