T H E O P H I L U S

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19

Have you ever felt that someone has wronged you so badly you wanted revenge? If we must be honest and frank, when we witness justice served there is a refreshing note that sings from those moments. It is bittersweet because it means wrath on the individual, but a sense that the pain served was one that was owed. When somebody who has wronged you, insulted you, or caused you pain there is a broken part of us that feels ecstatic at the knowledge of those who suffer in return for their sins. Our excuse is often that they “had it coming” or “they deserve it”. But in so many ways this is contradictory to the very heart of God. God does not take pleasure in punishment. This is not to say that we should be taken advantage of or be complete pushovers, but the question of the heart should be – can I and am I able to show mercy and Grace even in the worst circumstance? Am I honestly not filled with anger and hate when I practice justice? Am I filled with love and compassion? If not, then I believe the heart and action of hatred versus a sound and sober minded act of justice ought to be honestly, and scrutinizingly be criticized.

“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” – Ezekiel 18:23

The Lord takes pleasure in restoration. He is a God of Justice – but restorative Justice for the sinner. He takes no pleasure in Justice which leads to death and pain. Thus, our heart should always be directed the same – to have a heart that yearns and aches for those who have wronged us with covering their shame and loving them undeservingly. This is the justice of God – not to hate our enemies but to love them. As the Father turned his face from Jesus, he did not turn away from him because he could not stand seeing what people were doing to him. It was because he could not bear the sight of his son become sin and die bearing the weight of them.

Today, if you have enemies who you hate or those you wish wrath to be served as justice on them, re-evaluate then the godliness of your heart. If you hate them with wishful wrath, you are also in sin. Love them unconditionally and if you are praying for justice then pray that they will see the holiness of God and that instead you would see them know the Lord and restored to life. God’s heart in the midst of injustice is never one filled with wrath, but filled with love and restoration.