HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 196
page A194
Justice continued
God is just in that he very clearly tells us what sin is and what its consequences will be. All
people are treated equally. God is merciful in that he offers a way for us to be spared the
punishment we deserve for our sin. We would be in much worse shape if we always got
the justice we deserved.
• MAT T H E W 5 :4 3 -4 4 | “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate
your enemy. But I say, love your enemies!” (See note on page 865.)
Jesus sets a new standard for mercy. Justice punishes evil, crime, and wrongdoing. Mercy
forgives them. One of the hardest things we can do is forgive someone who has wronged
us. But it is only through experiencing forgiveness that one can clearly see God’s great
gift of salvation. Your mercy may be just what someone needs to be ushered into God’s
Kingdom.
Is revenge ever justified?
• G E NE S I S 3 4 :2 5 | Simeon and Levi . . . entered the town without opposition. Then they
slaughtered every male there.
The brothers’ desire for justice was not wrong, but allowing that desire to become vicious
and violent was.
• L E V I T I C U S 1 9 :1 8 | “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite.”
• 1 S A MU E L 2 2 :1 6 -1 7 | “You will surely die, Ahimelech, along with your entire family!” the king
shouted. . . . “Kill these priests of the Lord, for they are allies and conspirators with David!”
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Taking personal revenge is expressly forbidden by God.
• NA H U M 1 :8 | He will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. (See note on page 827.)
God’s vengeance is not to get back or get even; it is to administer righteous judgment.
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• L A ME NTAT I O NS 3 :5 9 | You have seen the wrong they have done to me, Lord. Be my judge,
and prove me right. (See note on page 725.)
We are to leave ultimate justice and revenge to God.
• 2 T H E S S A L O NI A NS 1 :6 | In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.
We do not have to take vengeance into our own hands, for God will judge and punish all
wickedness.
• R O MA NS 1 2 :1 7 -2 1 | Never pay back evil with more evil. . . . Conquer evil by doing good.
One wrongdoing never justifies a second.
• 1 P E T E R 2 :2 3 | He did not retaliate when he was insulted.
Jesus is our example of refusing to take revenge against those who mistreat us.
PROMISES FROM GOD
• PSA L M 5 8 :1 1 | Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live
for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”
• R O MA NS 1 2 :1 9 | Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of
God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
Kindness See Character; Compassion; Friendship; Hospitality; Love;
Neighbors; Serving
Laziness See Excuses; Work
Leadership See also Accountability; Planning; Serving; Unity & Teamwork;
Work
Leadership comes in many varieties and intensities. It is sometimes defined as the ability to create in others the desire to follow. People tend to follow men and women who