Topics

Revenge

Revenge is a natural human desire to repay harm or injustice, but Scripture consistently warns against it and calls believers to entrust justice to God. The Bible teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord alone, and Christians are called to overcome evil with good.

Overview

Throughout Scripture, we see examples of revenge leading to cycles of violence and sin. Absalom's murder of Amnon (2 Samuel 13:23-29) demonstrates how the desire for vengeance perpetuates family destruction. God's Word consistently redirects our natural impulse for revenge toward forgiveness and trust in His justice.

Key Scriptures

"Bless those who curse you, bless and do not curse them" (Romans 12:14, ESV). "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, ESV). "I will repay, says the Lord" (Romans 12:19, ESV).

Application

When wronged, choose to forgive and intercede in prayer rather than plot revenge, remembering that God promises to judge all injustice according to His perfect justice.

Scripture References 40
Full Topical Reference List 96 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Be thankful for being kept from taking

Chief priests

Christ an example of forbearing

Give place to wrath

Inconsistent with a Christian spirit

Inconsistent with Christian spirit

James and John

Jesus an example of forbearing

Philistines

Proceeds from a spiteful heart

Rebuked by Christ

Rebuked by Jesus

Simon and Levi

The wicked are earnest after