my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant. 1 Samuel 25:31

The world is very quick to seek vengeance and even sometimes bloodshed against those who have harmed them. Most will not physically murder a person for having done some wrong to them, but they will find other ways to avenge themselves. Acting in this way is often encouraged and promoted as the best way to deal with wrongs done.

David was on his way to kill Nabal for treating him badly. Abigail goes to him and suggests he stops so that he does not have the burden of needless bloodshed or vengeance upon his head.

It is common for people to react to bad situations quickly in the moment and make choices that will be later regretted. The action occurs out of anger and frustration, rather than out of love and a sound mind and good judgement.

Acting in this way is done out of selfishness and wanting to be in control of the entire situation. In the same way that the world acts, many in the church will seek vengeance against others. Bad words are spoken, people are put down and talked about, people are shunned or ignored, division is brought into the church, and self is put on the throne rather than God.

Instead of taking needless vengeance, believers are to love their enemies as Christ loved the church. Jesus forgave and brought about reconciliation to those who had done wrong to Him and sinned against God.

Putting oneself on the throne of judgement in God’s place, puts an unnecessary burden upon themselves that only God can handle. Forgiveness and reconciliation must take place in the lives of believers.

At some point in your life, you will have someone who will do a serious wrong to you. You will have to make a choice at that time as to how you will handle it.

Stop and seek the Holy Spirit to give you direction and strength to act in the way that will honor and obey God. Remember the forgiveness and mercy Jesus gave you when He died upon the cross for you and be willing to extend that to your enemies.

Give your burden to God and allow Him to get any needed vengeance.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will love as God loves; that you forgive as God forgives; that you will be led by the Holy Spirit in dealing with your enemies; and that God will keep you from having needless bloodshed or vengeance upon your head.