An Avenging God

“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is fierce in wrath. The Lord takes vengeance against his foes; he is furious with his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will never leave the guilty unpunished.” (Nahum 1:2-3)
 
This verse can be kind of daunting the beginning is all about how God is a jealous God and will take vengeance on his enemies. However, if we believe in Jesus, we can look at this verse in a different light we can have comfort that God will avenge us.

When I was in high school someone did something that was very hurtful and did not sit well with me. I have thought of all the ways I could hurt this person and get vengeance. I wanted this person to suffer as much as I had and buried eight feet under. The only thing I wanted to focus on is hurting them because of what they had done. This kind of thinking is not healthy and not helpful. The Bible constantly reminds us that vengeance does not belong to us but God. God says “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay. In time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” (Deuteronomy 32:35) God will not leave the guilty unpunished for their crimes. Instead of seeking vengeance for those who have hurt us we can pray for them to make better choices, know Jesus, and even work towards reconciliation if possible.

God knows all and sees all. True justice comes from him since he knows what is just and fair. If you have been harmed by someone pray for them. Trust God has seen what has happened and will act on it how he seems fit. He will enact justice in his perfect timing. Keep doing what is right and do not take vengeance in your own hands.
 
Praying for you,
Stacy Watkins