Romans 12:19-21 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay… I. It is an important question, WHETHER THE OBJECT OF REVENGE BE REALLY AN ENEMY. Wrong may exist nowhere but in our own erring fancy, or diseased acuteness of feeling. II. But if the conduct of our neighbour have given us substantial hurt, another necessary question will next arise: — WAS THE INJURY WHICH HE INFLICTED INTENTIONAL? It is not impossible that we regard as a deliberate affront that which was intended as an act of the warmest kindness. How often are the affectionate warnings of a wise counsellor construed by a headstrong youth into an assumption of superiority? III. Suppose now that there exist both injury and malevolence; it yet remains for our attentive recollection, WHETHER WE WERE NOT, OURSELVES, THE FIRST AGGRESSORS? Did not our adversary inflict the wound in self-defence? in resistance of our improper deportment? IV. But indeed, in point of prudence, whether we ourselves were the original aggressors or not, A RETORTED OFFENCE IS NEW MATTER OF PROVOCATION, and almost infallibly ensures a reiterated blow. It may be that the wrath of the foe has spent itself in the first assault. He may have been satisfied; he may have forgotten you. What folly then will it now be to rekindle that flame which had died away of itself. V. In the next place it deserves continual remembrance, that REVENGE IS NOT BY ANY MEANS OUR PROVINCE. God alone is qualified to apportion the measure of retribution, because He alone has a full and exact view of the injury. Add to this, that there is something exceedingly preposterous and presumptuous in one sinful being's becoming the judge and executioner of another. VI. If, however, it should be pretended, that thus wholly to transfer the exercise of recompense to the Almighty, or to His established vicegerent, is an effort of principle too difficult to be at all times expected from frail humanity, VARIOUS AND WEIGHTY CONSIDERATIONS YET REMAIN FOR OVERCOMING AN INCLINATION TO REVENGE. Hardly the most violent would deem resentment equitable, if the aggression, after inflicting a momentary pain, shall in the course of events, or by a combination of circumstances, have in any degree conduced to the advantage of the sufferer. That calumny which has humbled us in the opinion we had falsely conceived of ourselves, and reduced our mental stature to its just dimensions; any substantial injustice which has furnished us with experience of the deceitfulness of the world and introduced us to an acquaintance with true religion, ought surely to soften, even to dispel our ill-will towards the individual who hath been the unconscious bestower of these spiritual benefits. VII. This view of the subject suggests another of similar nature; I mean THE PROPRIETY OF REGARDING THE WOUND WE HAVE SUSTAINED AS HAVING PROCEEDED ORIGINALLY FROM GOD; and him whom we call our enemy as no more than the weapon of Divine justice which chastises, or of Divine goodness which seeks our amendment. The injury, viewed in this light, is invested with an air of sacredness, and anger appears to border on rebellion and impiety. VIII. Reflection on THE PRESENT CONDITION OF OUR ENEMY will further be highly useful in appeasing a vindictive disposition. Without any retributive severity on our part, he may already be sufficiently punished. Malignity is unhappiness. IX. Or should our adversary be a stranger to these delicate sensations, it will be yet well to remember, that THE MORE DESTITUTE HE IS OF VIRTUE, SO MUCH THE MORE IS HE AN OBJECT OF DIVINE DISPLEASURE. Shall we seek to overwhelm misery by adding the venom and lash of our malevolence to the sting of conscience, or the blow of Heaven? And even if all things in the present world go on smoothly with him, ought we not next to reflect that this enjoyment is probably but temporary? It may only be a gleam of sunshine, preparatory to a terrible storm. X. Yet if, in open defiance of all these cogent arguments, we will surrender ourselves to the inward fiend, and proceed to retaliate; we must not forget, when contemplating the present, or the probable recompense of our adversary's injustice, that BY THIS MEASURE WE RENDER OURSELVES LIABLE TO ALL THE SAME EVILS. We contract the internal disquietude and self-torment belonging to a malignant temper; we involve ourselves in the hazard of receiving present correction from above. XI. This leads us on to that great evangelical motive, which is more weighty and persuasive than all those that have preceded it: "IF YE FORGIVE NOT MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, NEITHER WILL YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER FORGIVE YOU YOURS." Who is he that shall look this plain proposition in the face, and continue for another moment to foster rancour against an enemy? XII. For practising the sacred, we may say emphatically, the Christian duty, which the various reasons now collected recommend, concluding motive presses itself upon our regard, in THE EXAMPLES HELD FORTH BY SCRIPTURE. Among these the leading one is that of God Himself; and it is brought forward by our Lord, indeed, when enjoining the love of enemies (Matthew 5:23, 24). Even under the Jewish dispensation instances of this virtue, as prompted by the native impulse of a pious or tender disposition, are not wanting. Joseph wept on the necks and amply provided for the wants of his unkind brethren. David forgave Saul for his inveterate and unprovoked hatred. (J. Grant, M.A.) Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. — I. VENGEANCE IS THE PREROGATIVE OF GOD. He claims it — 1. As the Supreme Ruler. 2. As the fountain of law. 3. As the Judge of all. II. WILL INEVITABLY BE EXERCISED UPON EVIL DOERS, 1. This is essential to moral government. 2. Is affirmed by Scripture. 3. Abundantly sustained by example. 4. Will be terribly demonstrated in the last day. (J. Lyth, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. |
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