God commands us to not be vengeful: "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). And, "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing" (1 Peter 3:9).
"Do not say, 'I will repay evil;' wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you" (Proverbs 20:22). And, "But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:39).
The flesh wants vengeance, but in the Spirit and prayer we must resist. May God give us peace.
We are not called to be judge over others.
1. We have been called to follow in the footsteps of Christ. We are not to reflect the darkness of the world back onto it, but rather, to shine the light of Christ upon it. Of Jesus, Scripture says, "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23).
But just before this, verse 21 says, "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." Called to what? Suffering for righteousness' sake, suffering for the Name and glory of God in the world, suffering for standing up for truth and goodness; to these, Christ's people have been called so that we would reflect Christ in the world.
2. We are not to act as the righteous judge over others, but to entrust ourselves to God as the righteous judge over others, over all things, and over ourselves. There are specific reasons why you and I are not to act as an evenging judge over others.
We are not qualified to be judge over others.
1. We are not holy and righteous. Only God is. Therefore, how can we be holy and righteous judges who only make holy and righteous judgements? We are sinners.
2. We are not all-knowing. Only God is. Hypothetically, imagine that you are holy and righteous in all your judgements. There is still a problem. You don't know enough. Therefore, how can we make proper judgements? We are foolish. We have limited knowledge and wisdom.
3. We do not own the rights to all things and over all people. Only God does. He created all things and therefore owns all things. Therefore, it is proper for him to be judge over all things. We are not owner. We are not maker. Rulership is not ours.
4. God has not appointed us as judges in this day of salvation. Christ's people are merciful priests busied with gospel proclamation, forgiveness, holiness, love, and service. Do we ignore evil and sin? God forbid! But seeking vengeance as judge over others is different than standing up for sin and evil.
It is simple. We are neither called nor qualified to judge over and exact vengeance. We are not the Lord's avenger, but the Lord's ambassadors.Christ will one day come with full vengeance against all his enemies and utterly destroy them. But today is the day of salvation. Seeking vengeance is not within the footsteps of Christ.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [48] You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:43-48).
Does this mean we do not make sound judgments about others to help us make wise decisions in life? Certainly not. That is a different aspect of Christian living. Fight the temptation to pit one aspect of Christian living against another. Yes, make sound judgments with wisdom, conviction, and in the Holy Spirit. No, do not seat yourself as judge over others; this only leads to ungodly vengeance in heart, mind, word, and deed. Avoid it in the name and footsteps of Christ.
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