“Revenge is a dish best served cold,” is a phrase that has been used in movies and books alike. It speaks of seeking vengeance not in the heat of the moment that caused the hurt, but to wait and later to exact the revenge that is due, usually with calculation and cunning. It is a theme that has spawned many a movie, book, and western tales. We all like a good story. One that has you rooting for the hero and encouraging him or her to endure against all odds. Add in a revenge motif and you have a bestseller. The story of Hugh Glass is one such story and is based on true events. In 1823 Hugh was on a trapping expedition and is betrayed by fellow trappers, robbed and left for dead. After surviving a bear mauling, Hugh endures a 300-hundred-mile trek on foot to return to Fort Kiowa spurred on by his desire to avenge his betrayal. It is a natural human response to seek to hurt someone who has hurt you (i.e., tit for tat.) Though it may be natural, is it ours?
Revenge or retaliation is clearly stated to not be the prerogative of the believer. Though our world and American culture thrives on this worldview, it is not to be so for the Christian. Paul, in Romans 12:16-21, admonishes believers to live lives that are in keeping with their standing as children of the King of Kings. Our relationship with others is clearly laid out to be one of peace, not animosity, as much as it depends on us (Rom. 12:18). Why? Are those who have done wrong to be left alone without any expectation of retribution or punishment? When we suffer wrong at the hands of another, our sense of justice cries out for retribution! Notice what Paul says in Rom. 12:19: “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.” Paul recognizes that we have been wronged, that the hurt is real and our desire for retaliation is a normal reaction. But we are told not to take matters into our own hands. Revenge never solves anything but breeds more retaliation and the cycle goes on and on. Wars have been fought, families destroyed and untold misery unleashed all due to the sin of revenge. Instead, we are told to leave room for the wrath of God. In other words, the vengeance department belongs to God and God alone. He is the only One who will execute justice perfectly, keeping in mind that all sin is ultimately against Him. Our response is to be one of forgiveness and our message to the world is one of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-21). God has already dealt with the sins of all mankind through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the cross. Therefore, we leave the issue of restitution to Him, and our duty is to declare the message of reconciliation and do all we can to be at peace with those around us. This is far from the clamor we hear today in our cultural and political world. Cries of vengeance and getting even are growing louder by the day. Though we desire to see justice, justice will be and has been meted out by God Himself. Paul states that by doing good, which includes respecting what is right in the sight of men (if it is not contrary to God’s moral designs) we overcome evil with good. These are truly difficult things to hear and certainly to do, but God “reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” It is His desire that by our right living we will silence the ignorance of foolish men and will bring Him glory.
Cornerstone Community Church 