It is human nature to want revenge when we’ve been wronged. We may go so far as to say that “if the same thing that happened to me happened to the person who wronged me, then justice would be served”. People can come up with all manner of ways to avenge a wrong, even when we hear about a wrong that has been done to someone else. But Paul tells us in Romans that it is for God to avenge, not us. In Romans 12:19 it says:
“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.’”
To some, that verse may frustrate, but to others, it might very well liberate. God understands the pain one human being can inflict on another, but it is for him to judge and to avenge. Frankly, I don’t believe we are qualified for the task. We are a flawed race with limited wisdom. But if we could only put our trust in God to take care of things for us, we could rest in the truth that he will; in his way and with his measures, respond justly. I realize that it is easy to say that we are ready to leave it up to God, but it can be very difficult to do, especially when the pain is raw. But we have to believe that God has it under control, and that we serve a just God who will make the most righteous call.
---
We have to remember that it is for God to avenge, not us, and his scales of justice are always right. I’m not saying that it’s easy, but if you’ve been wronged, I hope you can find comfort in knowing that God has it handled. I watch a lot of true crime shows, and I’m rarely satisfied with the level of justice dealt out by our justice system. Often times it seems as though a small crime gets a strict sentence, while greater crimes get only a slap on the wrist. Regardless of what is done here on earth, God’s justice system is perfect. We need to trust him to do what we are not qualified to do; and that is to judge and to avenge.