“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also, (Then were the days of unleavened bread). And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” (Acts 12:1-4, 21-23).
When people violate you and pay you evil for the good you have done, they may think they are being smart for acting in such manner, but they are not. They will suffer the consequences of their ill-behavior. Some believers feel so much hurt and when they don’t see anything negative happening to those individuals, they start to believe that God is too slow to act. So, they take up vengeance on their own and get themselves into more trouble. Remember that Vengeance is God’s. Never take laws into your own hands. Moreover, when you try to avenge yourself, you face severe risks and limitations.
If you sustain your desire for revenge and Jesus comes at that moment, you might be left behind. But if you leave it to God, that person will not escape it. Herod suffered for his brutality. The church rejoiced when they heard of his shameful death, even though they were the cause of his death. But who could trace it to them or challenge them of any wrongdoing?
Let God avenge you. Paul said, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18). He further stated in Acts 24:16, “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” My prayer is that the Lord will give us grace to live our lives in the way it will glorify Him.