Bible Study

Title: Vengeance, Not Revenge
Date: Sep 27, 2005
Topic(s): Christian Living/Situational
Scripture: Romans 12:19-21

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A farmer had been pestered by carloads of people who thought nothing of climbing over the fence around his orchard and eating his apples without asking permission. One day, as he walked up to them, one of them smiled sheepishly and said, "We hope you don't mind that we took a few of your apples."

"No, not at all," said the farmer, "and I hope you don't mind that I took some of the air out of your tires."

It's human nature--when someone hurts us by word or deed, we want to get even. But that's not what the Bible teaches.

What Does God Say?

We read in Romans 12:19-21:

"Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, 'I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,' says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say: 'If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.' Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good" (NLT).

• What is God's promise to those have been wronged?
• How does God want us to respond instead?
• Why do you think this is a better response?
• What is the danger of taking matters into our own hands?

My Thoughts

Do you want justice or vengeance? What is the difference? Who is more able to bring about justice, you or God?

My Part

Think back to the last person who hurt you. List below one kind deed that you could do for this person. Prayerfully ask God to give you the resolve to follow through on doing this deed.

Additional Scripture to read: Psalm 54:4-5; Luke 6:32

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