Let God Deal With Your Enemies
—And be done with bitterness
When wrongs have been done to us, we naturally want justice. In serious cases we want the wrongdoers to be duly brought to account and to make amends or be punished.
Up to a point, we may be within our rights and may find satisfaction in seeing a just outcome. Often, however, such an outcome is not worth the price, and vengeance is not a means of happiness although it may please you for a little while.
If you are the victim of wrongdoing, seeking revenge may only make you more miserable. When justice is not simply and lawfully obtained, pursuing it may double your burden.
There is a better way that ensures happiness: let God deal with your enemies.
1 Let Enemies Be Accountable to God
- "God will bring every act to judgment" (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
- "They shall not escape" (1Thessalonians 5:3).
2 Leave Vengeance to God
- The Corinthians failed to do this (1Corinthians 6:1-8).
- "Judge not" (Matthew 7:1). Recognize and oppose evil, but don't take God's place.
- Michael did not himself accuse the devil, but said, "The Lord rebuke you" (Jude 1:9).
- "Never take your own revenge" (Romans 12:17-21).
- "Love your enemies... do good to them" (Luke 6:27). The payback system increases and prolongs trouble.
3 Put Away Bitterness
- "Let all bitterness... be put away" (Ephesians 4:31). Know you've been wronged, but don't let it eat away at your heart.
- "Lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble" (Hebrews 12:15).
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