The Bible has a lot to say about retaliation, which is the act of getting revenge or seeking vengeance against someone who has wronged you. Overall, the Bible strongly warns believers against personally retaliating and instead trusting God to enact justice in His timing.
Old Testament Teachings on Retaliation
In the Old Testament, the law authorized retribution under the principle of “an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:24). This law was given to limit vengeance by ensuring the punishment did not exceed the crime. However, even in the Old Testament, God preferred mercy over vengeance (Hosea 6:6).
Proverbs instructs us not to rejoice when our enemies suffer (Proverbs 24:17). Leviticus 19:18 commands God’s people to love their neighbors as themselves. Rather than retaliate, the Old Testament teaches that we should care for the wellbeing of others, even our enemies.
Jesus’ Teaching on Retaliation
In the New Testament, Jesus took retaliation to a higher level. In His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42)
Rather than retaliate, Jesus said we should turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and give generously. Jesus made it clear that the Old Testament law was no longer the standard. As Christians, we are called to a higher level of love, mercy, and graciousness toward those who wrong us.
New Testament Teachings on Retaliation
The other New Testament writers echo Jesus’ teachings against personal retaliation:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19)
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)
The consistent message is that retaliation is sinful. As Christians, we do not have the right to get even or seek vengeance against those who wrong us. Instead, the Bible instructs us to love our enemies, turn the other cheek, overcome evil with good, and trust that God will enact justice in His perfect timing.
Why Retaliation is Wrong for Christians
There are several reasons why retaliation is clearly prohibited for Christians:
1. It goes against Jesus’ teachings. As discussed above, Jesus specifically prohibited personal retaliation and instructed His followers to respond with love and grace instead.
2. It fails to trust God. When we take revenge, we are failing to trust that God will deal justly with those who have wronged us in His perfect timing (Romans 12:19). We are taking matters into our own hands rather than trusting the one who judges justly.
3. It perpetuates the cycle of harm. Retaliation continues and escalates the cycle of violence and harm. More people get hurt. Retribution never ultimately satisfies or rights the original wrong.
4. It is rooted in anger and hatred. Retaliation stems from bitterness, anger, and hatred. This goes against what God desires for us and only leads to more sin (Matthew 5:21-26).
5. We suffer more by retaliating. When we try to get even, we fail to overcome evil with good. We miss out on the blessings God promises to those who love their enemies and refrain from vengeance (Matthew 5:11-12).
How Should Christians Respond to Wrongs?
Rather than retaliate when wronged, the Bible instructs Christians to:
– Pray for those who wronged you (Luke 6:28)
– Forgive others freely, just as Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32)
– Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)
– Trust God to enact justice in His perfect timing (Romans 12:19)
– Repay wrongs with kindness and love (1 Peter 3:9)
– Care for the wellbeing of others, even your enemies (Proverbs 25:21-22)
– Avoid bitterness and anger (Hebrews 12:15)
– Seek to live at peace with others as much as possible (Romans 12:18)
God may call us at times to speak out against injustice, but we must do so without personal vengeance or malice in our hearts. The consistent message is to not repay evil for evil, but to overcome evil with the love of Christ. This is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
Examples of Jesus and the Apostles’ Response to Wrongs
Jesus provided the perfect example of refraining from retaliation when He was mocked, beaten, and crucified. From the cross Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
The apostle Paul also demonstrated this response:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…when we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly…” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 12-13)
Even when subjected to extreme injustice and violence, Jesus and Paul responded with grace, endurance, kindness, and prayer. They trusted God to be the ultimate judge and refrained from personal retaliation.
As Christians, we have the power to follow their examples and God’s commands by not taking revenge but instead responding to wrongs with faith, love, grace, and forgiveness.
Forgiveness Does Not Necessarily Mean Trusting Again
When counseling victims of abuse or other forms of mistreatment, it is important to make the distinction that forgiving does not necessarily mean trusting again. Forgiveness is an internal decision to let go of bitterness and desire for retaliation. However, it may not always be wise or safe to continue relationship with an abusive person. Appropriate boundaries can be established while still maintaining an attitude of forgiveness. Christians should be guided by wisdom and godly counsel when discerning if reconciliation in the relationship is wise or possible. But regardless of the relationship dynamics, we are called to harbor no ill-will or revenge in our own hearts.
Conclusion
Retaliation goes against the very teachings and example of Jesus, who calls us to a radically different way of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. When wronged, the biblical response is never violence or revenge but faith, endurance, love, grace, and forgiveness. Scripture assures that God will enact justice in due time. Though it goes against human nature, Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit to follow Christ’s example and refrain from personal retaliation when wronged. This is the difficult but rewarding path of God’s kingdom.
