If you ever want to read the words of someone who has been hurt to the point where the depths of anger are only appeased by a cry for God’s intervention, read the Psalms; in fact, in more than a few times David cries out for divine retribution for the wrongs done to him. Ever been that angry? Sadly, I must confess that I have been and even worse, there have been times when thoughts of getting even smoldered in my heart until I finally gave them over to the Lord.
One of the most wonderful things about the grace of God is that He gives us the power to get up when we fall and because there is no one who does not fail at times, we can give great thanks for God’s help, strength and forgiveness to us for our wrong-doings. In Proverbs 24:16 that truth is clearly expressed: “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again….” David himself testifies to this grace: “The steps of a good man are established by the Lord and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” What a consolation in times of discouragement!
God’s grace, however, doesn’t give us permission to seek revenge. Proverbs 24:17 gives this warning: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles lest the Lord see it and it displeases Him and He turn away His wrath from him.” Settling some injustices through human courts and negotiations may have a place but entrusting matters into divine hands grants us peace of heart, peace of mind and peace sufficient to enable us to move on.
‘Beloved, do not avenge yourselves... vengeance is mine says the Lord.”
