75. God will Repay
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
The Lord promises that He will repay because vengeance belongs to Him. This is a significant promise because it means that we do not have to hold a grudge, take vengeance, look for ways to pay back, or try to get even. Vengeance does not belong to me and it is not my responsibility to see that justice is done, even when I am the one who was wronged or injured. This is freedom, for by believing this promise, that God will repay, I can just let it go. I can let it go to God and I do not have to hold on to the hurt or offense. Justice is God’s responsibility. Let Him take care of it.
“Getting even” or even seeking justice is a burden I do not need to carry. God has delegated the administration of justice to the proper governmental authorities. It is my responsibility to report the injustice or the crime and to bear witness when called upon. But I am free from the burden of taking justice into my own hands. Certainly, government judicial systems do not always by any means perfectly administer justice, but that is not my problem. However, when government justice fails, I can be sure that God will see that perfect justice will be perfectly done in the end. At the Last Day all things will be put to rights. No matter how long it may be, I can wait in faith in God’s promise. Trust God to repay. Let it be in God’s hands; do not take it into your own hands. “Avenge not yourselves.”
We can leave it up to God if we believe the promise: “I will repay.” He definitely will; I am free. Furthermore, I can forgive because I am forgiven. Forgiveness is my responsibility and the Lord gives me the ability to do so. Forgiving is healthier and more fun and more freeing than avenging. If I know that God has it under His wise and just control, I am free.