When someone has hurt or betrayed you, it is a deeply human instinct to seek revenge. It is natural to dwell on the thought of “settling the score” especially when an opportunity arises. However, you must resist the urge even when others encourage you to “get even,” saying that it is only right and fair.
Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously preached that hate is a destructive, “descending spiral” that multiplies darkness rather than eliminating it. In his sermon “Loving Your Enemies,” he emphasized that only love has the power to transform enemies into friends and break the chain of evil. He believed that hate was too heavy a burden and that love was the only creative redemptive force.
Resisting instinct for revenge involves acknowledging your anger without acting on it, channeling that energy into personal growth, and choosing forgiveness to break the cycle of negativity. You should practice self-control by staying calm and refraining from the urge to seek justice as a form of personal empowerment. Instead of retaliation, focus on personal development, such as exercising or other calming activities.
The Bible strictly prohibits personal revenge. It instructs believers to leave vengeance to God, who will repay in his own time. Instead of retaliation, the Bible commands believers to love their enemies by overcoming evil with good. The Bible strongly emphasizes forgiveness, peace, and trust in divine justice rather than taking matters into our own hands.
While personal retaliation is condemned, the Bible does not forbid self-defense or seeking justice through legal authorities. According to the “Parable of the Persistent Widow” Luke 18:1-8, a widow woman went before a judge because of an adversary. The judge neither feared God nor cared about people. The widow woman repeatedly asked the judge to grant her justice against her adversary. He eventually complied with the woman’s request due to her persistence.
In your challenge to resist revenge toward your adversary who has wronged you, use the parable of the widow woman as an example of taking your case to the proper authority. You should note that she was persistent even with a judge who lacked compassion. Persistent people never give up. So, if your enemy is hungry, feed them; if your enemy is thirsty, give them something to drink. Overcome evil with good, for this is the teaching of the Bible. Be blessed and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
