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NASB | Romans 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. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God's wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. [Deut 32:35] |
Bible Question: Sometimes I get really bizarre thoughts of revenge. I don't act on them and later I feel bad that I even thought about these things. I only think these things when others hurt me emotionally. Does anyone else ever feel like this. I'm actually a very quiet person so I don't understand why I get this way. Is this normal? |
Bible Answer: Greetings D.D.! I was reading in 1 Peter yesterday, and I came across these verses, "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16). I believe that this verse, along with many others, helps point out to us that feelings of wrath and revenge should not consistently be present in our behavior as Christians. Are your thoughts of revenge focused on a particular person or group? I pray that you will seek to earnestly forgive those who have wronged you and to replace those feelings of revenge with a desire to love. Love "does not take into account a wrong suffered" (1 Cor. 13:5) and love never fails! (13:8). I pray that you can overcome these feelings through confession and earnest prayer (James 5:16). Blessings to you, Makarios |