There are times when people lie on us, talk bad about us, mistreat us, and use us to their advantage. It's times like these when we want to fight back, speak our mind (or at least give them a piece of it), defend ourselves, and avenge the wrong done to us. Even though many know that vengeance is the Lord’s and He will repay (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19), the feeling of self-vindication doesn't seem to go away.

There are times when you want to see the other person or group pay for what they did! You want them to know that you were the WRONG PERSON to mess with and to think twice before doing it again! You want to see them squirm, begging for your mercy and forgiveness (Proverbs 24:17-18).

Instead of seeking vindication and revenge by our own means, we must continue to trust in the Lord, serve Him, and treat those that mistreat us with love, mercy, and respect. (Believe me; I know…why do you think I’m writing this now!!!)

Romans 12:14-21 (KJV) - Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Regardless of what others do to us, we still have a responsibility as servants of the Most High God to bless others.

In your own estimation, your situation goes unanswered with no redemption in sight and you must be content with this. Our longing to see others suffer only keeps us bound to the evil, destruction, and sin that seeks dominion over our lives. We can overcome anger! We can overcome suffering! We can overcome pain! We can overcome those that wrong us…WITH LOVE!

Acting in anger, hate, and revenge only hurts you; further strains relationships; muffles your witness for Christ; and dwarfs your maturity and growth. You have very much to lose and little to gain trying to vindicate yourself!

Hurting people hurt others – whether it is those that wronged you or you seeking revenge. They may be acting out of some pain of their own! We can pray for them and ask God to heal their brokenness so they may live in love and peace – within themselves, among others, and before God. We overcome evil with good! Isn’t there someone you need to bless today?!