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In
Proverbs
24:29 and Proverbs 25:21, God
is telling us once again to not seek personal revenge. God does not
honor us if we have an attitude of "getting even," "pay
back," or retribution.
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Never
pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the
sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you,
be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved,
but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE
IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR
ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A
DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NASB)
Romans 12:17-21 |
Did you notice that God wants us be at peace with everyone? But He
did not say that we are to be at peace at all costs. There may come
a time when we need to disagree or even defend ourselves. But the
first desire of our heart should be peace and love and not revenge.
Deuteronomy
19:21. Deuteronomy 19:21 is not about revenge. When Jesus uses
this verse in the Sermon on the Mount, He is correcting the false
teaching of the Pharisees who were twisting its words for personal
revenge.
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Thus
you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for
tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. (NASB) Deuteronomy 19:21
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This passage is actually about capital punishment. There are several
previous questions and answers about capital punishment that may be
of interest to you. The first one is "What
does scripture say about the death penalty?" The second one
is "What should be our
attitude towards the terrorists?" The last one is about our
right to military protection of a nation, "What
Old Testament laws can we ignore?"
Conclusion: God
never contradicts Himself. He is trustworthy. What a great comfort
and peace! |
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