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Proverbs 23:5 lets us know that God prepares us a feast IN THE PRESENCE OF our enemies. What an amazing thing! In today’s podcast I talk about revenge, how it is NOT good, and how seeing the feast God has prepared makes loving your enemies and enduring ill treatment a little easier.

Scriptures:

Leviticus 19:18 ESV: You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Proverbs 17:13 If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house.

Proverbs 20:22  Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

Proverbs 25:21-22  If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.  You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.

Matthew 5:38-48  “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.  If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.  If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.  Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.  But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!  In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.  But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Romans 12:17-21 The Message Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Takeaways:

1. God is best equipped to judge fairly. His judgment is right.
2. God is the ultimate manager of our reputations. (Jesus even remained silent).
3. When we allow Him His rightful place, and instead love and bless and pray for our enemies, we allow others to see Him shine.
4. Leaving room for God’s vengeance is not a pass to continually re-engage with harmful people. Don’t forget wisdom.