RevengeFinally

Hollywood and God Agree

Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold

“Historians are not sure where the saying originated, but it means that revenge is best served not fresh after the insult occurred, but after enough time has passed so that the target won't see it coming,”

When Do We Seek Revenge?

• When Someone Hurts Us.• When Someone Takes Something

From Us.– A Possession, An Object of Value, A

Loved One.– A Position or Reputation– Dignity or Respect

Matt 5:38-40“You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.”

Justice Not Revenge“An Eye For An Eye…”

• This Was To Provide Justice Not Retaliation.“This rule provided for even handed justice and prohibited the spirit of revenge that fuels feuds and vendettas”

-- Ken Chumbley, 107-108“Vengeance tends to ‘get more’ rather than to ‘get even;” Gen. 4:23-34.

Self-defense Not Revenge“Christ is not calling here for an unqaulified passivism, nor is He teaching that Christians cannot protect their homes against intruders or seek redress in court… Christians are not to be people out ‘to settle the score.’”

-- Ken Chumbley, 108

Prov 24:17-20“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

Lest the Lord see it and be displeased, And He turn away His anger from him.

Do not fret because of evildoers, Or be envious of the wicked;

For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.”

Prov 24:29“Do not say, ‘Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.’”

Rom 12:17-19, 21“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord…

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Why? • You Are An Ambassador of God.• You Are Not Of This World.• You Become The Very Thing You

Despise.• You Hinder Your Spiritual Growth.