Leave Vengeance to God

Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Today’s Text: Romans 12:19-21

Key Verse: Romans 12:19 (ESV): “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.””

In a clear explanation of the Old Testament text of Deuteronomy 32:35 — “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them” — the writer of Hebrews presents a case of biblical imperative: “never avenge!” Of course, any admonition from the Lord is good enough for our command. God is jealous for His people and knows just what to do to defend His word and name against those who hurt or seek to hurt them.

Unfortunately, it is so difficult for us to cede vengeance to God. We think we have a better idea of what to do with our adversaries. We’d rather concoct several supporting passages of scripture together, and force them right on the context of our pain and hurt, as though they were God’s promised way of dealing with that offender. The problems with this are: first, we simply don’t know how to pray or what to pray for. Secondly, we fail to yield God’s preference of determining the best ways to deal with us and our situations. In the third place, our rash self meted judgment may be a sabotage of God’s overall plan. Imagine if Judas Iscariot had died while planning to betray Jesus. Or, imagine if the brothers of Joseph had been roasted by fire while they were contemplating their evil.

Part of our problem is that we often fail to understand or apply the word of God in its right context. Most of the divine actions against Israel’s enemies were determined by God and not them. Christ’s standard is “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) Modern religious standard is “enemies must roast and die by fire!” Which then is consistent with this text and that of Deuteronomy, or the teaching of Christ? Friends, let us shape our thinking, choosing, feeling, believing, behaving, and praying by the Word of God.

Quote for the Day: “The problem with us is that we fail to realize the difference between revenge or vengeful spirit and the biblical meaning of God’s vengeance, which is a matter of justice.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer:  Dear Lord, please help me never to pay back evil for evil to anyone. Teach me to respect what is right in the sight of all men. And as much as possible, to be at peace with all men, and never nurturing revenge—in Jesus Christ's name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

For further inquiry and free spiritual help, visit or write:

The Darling Pastor,

2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,

Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA

+1 (407) 360-8280; (817) 822-8441

[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]

Send | Share | Subscribe | Support