Have you ever been so angry with someone that an irresistible desire for revenge began to fester inside of you?
Someone that you once loved is now a target on your mission for vengeance.
These feelings often surface after the disappointment of a betrayal, rejection or even a falling out.
However, what many don’t realise, is that the satisfaction they experience initially for repaying their offender for the hurt caused is momentary. After the short-lived gratification, comes regret, shame or guilt for their actions.
There are various places in the Holy Scriptures that warn us of the harmful effects of taking vengeance into our own hands. In the book of Romans, for example, Apostle Paul exhorted:
“Repay no evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19 NKJV)
For a person to get to the point of taking an action of revenge, it’s because they didn’t immediately clean their heart of the negative feelings that surge after an offence.
That’s why, forgiveness, mentioned more than 60 times in the New Testament alone, is an essential element in a Christian’s walk of faith.
Although it can be challenging at times, it is an action that will be required of you for the rest of your life, as human beings are flawed and are inclined to making mistakes.
It is important to note that repaying evil with evil is not always obvious but can be seen in more subtle behaviour, such as the silence treatment, wishing the other person’s wrong and envy.
Letting go of these harmful feelings, although difficult, will benefit you more than the other person, enabling you to move on from the past.
King David served as an excellent example to us, when he forgave Saul and did not harm him, even when he had the opportunity to do so:
“And he said to his men, “the Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 24:6 NKJV)
If you are still not convinced that forgiveness is something that you should do, the Lord Jesus taught his disciples that only those who forgive their offenders would receive the forgiveness of God.
When Peter asked Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I should forgive him? Up to seven times?” the Lord Jesus used the parable of the unforgiving servant to explain why anyone who is unwilling to forgive, would not receive the forgiveness of their sins (Matthew 18:21-35 NKJV).
However, it goes without saying, that there are some behaviours that feel like they are impossible to forgive. When this occurs, it is only the power of faith that will help you to remove these venomous feelings.
If you are having a hard time forgiving someone for what they did to you, visit your local Universal Church today and speak with your Pastor, who will be available to assist you. We are here to help!
Learn more about how to heal from within in tonight’s Love Therapy Seminar. You will receive a message which will teach you how to be happy in your love life, by first improving your relationship with God and yourself. Don’t miss this.
Event: Love Therapy Seminars
Date and Time: Thursdays at 8pm
Location: Rainbow Theatre, 232 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, N4 3NX (Outside London via livestream at your local Universal Church)
