Revenge and Healing
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)
If we read the final two verses of Psalm chapter 75, we are exposed to the subtle maturation of the Psalmist. The Psalmist, in the early portion of the chapter, has been on an emotional roller-coaster, addressing his concerns about the wicked, the arrogant, and the evildoers. With detail, he explains how God is going to handle his enemies. Still, all this talk about God’s judgment is rooted in the Psalmist’s pain.
Sometimes we can be so focused on getting people back that we ignore our need for healing, because it is hard to embrace healing when we are fixated on revenge. What is more important than getting vengeance on those who hurt you, or obsessing over how they could have done so, is getting healed from the hurt. When you place a higher priority on revenge, you must constantly manage the anger of the injury.
Revenge is like holding on to hot coals with the intent of throwing them at your enemies. In the end, you’re the one who gets burned in the process. Don't burn yourself trying to get back at someone else. Instead, pursue healing.
As he is writing this psalm, the psalmist almost misses the fact that revenge causes you to give more power to the one who hurt you. When you believe that lie, implicitly what you are saying is “I can’t move on until you give me what I think I deserve from you.” But true healing requires that you stop focusing on the external and shift your focus to the internal. It is only when you want to be made whole more than you want your enemies to hurt that you began the process of learning and growing from what you faced, and you also allow God to mend your heart so that you can move forward.
So, don’t get hung up on revenge. Don’t spend all of your time trying to get back at the person who hurt you. Instead, choose to pursue healing. Allow God to do a healing work in your heart and soul, and make the decision to focus more on what you can control within yourself rather than trying to control another person.
If we read the final two verses of Psalm chapter 75, we are exposed to the subtle maturation of the Psalmist. The Psalmist, in the early portion of the chapter, has been on an emotional roller-coaster, addressing his concerns about the wicked, the arrogant, and the evildoers. With detail, he explains how God is going to handle his enemies. Still, all this talk about God’s judgment is rooted in the Psalmist’s pain.
Sometimes we can be so focused on getting people back that we ignore our need for healing, because it is hard to embrace healing when we are fixated on revenge. What is more important than getting vengeance on those who hurt you, or obsessing over how they could have done so, is getting healed from the hurt. When you place a higher priority on revenge, you must constantly manage the anger of the injury.
Revenge is like holding on to hot coals with the intent of throwing them at your enemies. In the end, you’re the one who gets burned in the process. Don't burn yourself trying to get back at someone else. Instead, pursue healing.
As he is writing this psalm, the psalmist almost misses the fact that revenge causes you to give more power to the one who hurt you. When you believe that lie, implicitly what you are saying is “I can’t move on until you give me what I think I deserve from you.” But true healing requires that you stop focusing on the external and shift your focus to the internal. It is only when you want to be made whole more than you want your enemies to hurt that you began the process of learning and growing from what you faced, and you also allow God to mend your heart so that you can move forward.
So, don’t get hung up on revenge. Don’t spend all of your time trying to get back at the person who hurt you. Instead, choose to pursue healing. Allow God to do a healing work in your heart and soul, and make the decision to focus more on what you can control within yourself rather than trying to control another person.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
No Comments