May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 1 Samuel 24:12

Desiring to get vengeance is one thing that many people think about against those who have harmed them. While most do not seek to physically kill a person, most want to cause some social or emotionally harm to others that have caused pain or suffering. This can be done directly or indirectly.

They want to get vengeance for what was done wrong to them.

David had a chance to kill Saul but did not. He said he asks God to get vengeance for the wrongs Saul had done, but he would not touch Saul at all.

The world is quick to seek a violent vengeance against all who do wrong. Whatever harm was done will be done hundredfold back. It is seen as a perfect right of a person to do so.

Although not as violently, believers will often get caught up in the same mentality in seeking vengeance. Their vengeance is often more subtle, but just as harmful. This can occur inside and outside of the church walls.

Instead of seeking vengeance, believers are to forgive and allow God to bring about His vengeance in His way and in His timing.

No matter how harmful a person can be in his vengeance, the vengeance of God can be greater and reach deeper into the heart and life of a person. Prior to seeking vengeance, God seeks reconciliation and forgiveness. He wants to bring about change and give life, not death.

This can only occur with forgiveness, grace and mercy. In the same way God shows forgiveness, grace and mercy to the believer, the believer must show it to those who cause harm and allow God to seek any needed vengeance.

Very likely you have had someone do something harmful to you at some point in your life. This may be occurring right now. Instead of seeking vengeance offer forgiveness, grace and mercy. Let God seek how to avenge you on the other person.

Do not lift your hand against the other person to destroy him but lift the person up before God. Allow God to deal with that person in His way and in His time. Acting in this way is doing the same thing Jesus did as He went to the cross.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will trust God to avenge any wrongs done to you; that you will know and understand God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy towards your enemies; and that God will strengthen you to do what is right in His eyes.