Consequences of Revenge
1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Revenge is the action of hurting or harming someone in return for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. There is no one ever living that cannot be offended, some may be sever while some may not. Our natural intent as human demands we pay pack those who offended us in their own coin, but as a believer in Christ who has a new nature of God will have no reason to tele revenge.
Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
Jesus's teaching preaches love and not hatred, it preaches tolerance and not impatience. Returning evil for evil births more evil and hatred, it increases the chain of hatred and bitterness.
Consequences of Revenge
1. It doesn't make you feel better.
Repaying evil for evil does not take away the pain it has already caused, rather it creates more pain. Continual chain of bitterness pave way for more evil to happen.
2. It withheld God's blessings
1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
By forgiving those who wronged us and caused us pain, we draw more of God's blessings upon our life because we have just displayed one of the character of God made available in Christ Jesus.
3. It makes your sacrifices unacceptable
Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Giving sacrifices to God with an unforgiving heart is a sin before God and it makes whatever we offer to God at that moment unacceptable. Resolving issues before coming before God is the best way to have a smooth relationship of worship and service with Him.
4. Revenge can deprive you of God's kingdom.
Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Taking revenge and failure to forgive will lead one to hell, if God had not forgiven mankind of our numerous sins against Him, no one would have receive the grace to reign with Him in His kingdom, so as He has forgiven us our trespasses against Him, He commanded us to do the same to our fellow human.
Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
God has already promised to take revenge on anyone who wronged us, only if we can exhibit the act of forgiveness. God is able to fight for us on any matter that troubles our soul. All we have to do is to render our supplication before Him.
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Love heals every pain and bridge every gap of hatred. God commanded it and we must allow the love to flow.
Forgive so you also can be forgiven, do not take revenge so God can fight for you.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, forgive me for the act of unforgiving in the past in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, help me to love everyone as your will in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name.