The reason many seek revenge is that they do not believe God is indeed a God of justice and that He alone knows the adequate punishment for sins committed. Some say their reason for seeking revenge is that God is “too slow and merciful” and could forgive someone they feel deserves to be punished severely. But this set of people forget that God applies the same ‘slowness’, mercy and forgiveness towards their own sins against Him.

Those who prefer to avenge instead of forgiving feel they know better how it hurts and can adequately dish out the punishment to the offender(s), rather than allow God have His way. When one chooses to live a life of avenging wrongdoings, that person eliminates mercy and forgiveness in dealings with fellowmen and thus will also not get same from God when sought for (Matthew 5:7; 18:23-35).

Our Almighty God is righteous and just. He neither tolerates sin nor allows evil to reign. When He doesn’t punish and destroy instantly, it is His great love, mercy and compassion towards us at work. And when we come confessing and forsaking, He is quick to forgive and give us a fresh start. God wants those who truly believe in Him to also be like Him. He wants His children to act like Him and practice true and unconditional love towards others (1 John 4:7-8). Do not allow your quest for revenge to drive away God’s mercy from you. Moreover, always remember that you cannot be the judge in your own case. Seeking and taking revenge is arrogating God’s position to yourself. He is the God of justice, the only righteous Judge. He alone knows how best to repay.