What is MEvenge? MEvenge is ungodly revenge. It’s hurting those who have hurt you. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how to handle the desire for revenge.
Revenge is not the same thing as self-defense.
It is a good thing to stop someone from hurting you.
Luke 4:28-30
Acts 9:24-25
Revenge is not the same thing as justice.
Justice is stopping someone from hurting someone else.
Isaiah 1:17
MEvenge thrives on the idea that if someone hurt you, “don’t get mad, get even.” But think about it. Why would you want to be even with, and on the same level as, someone that hurts others? Jesus teaches us a better way than MEvenge. There is a Godly revenge when you let the Lord be your defender.
Romans 12:17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
How do we stop MEvenge?
1. Be careful to do the right thing. (Romans 12:17)
James 4:17
We do the right thing, not because it’s popular, and not because it will benefit us, but we do the right thing because its the right thing the do.
2. Live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
1 Corinthians 6:7
3. Leave room for God as your defender. (Romans 12:19)
God won’t fight you for the position of defender in your life.
Hebrews 10:30-31
Treat people well, or else God may have to get on their side to defend them against you.
4. Do good to your enemy. (Romans 12:20)
To “heap burning coals” is a Hebraism meaning “to awaken one’s conscience” with a burning shame.
Matthew 5:43-48
MEvenge is NOT freedom from the pain, its furthering the pain.
5. Overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
We Christians overcome bad behavior, we don’t use bad behavior for our own purposes. We fight fire with water, putting out the fire, and we overcome evil with good.
Hebrews 12:15
That person who hurt you is already in pain. They don’t need punishment, they need deliverance. If they get right with God, they won’t hurt anyone any more.
Are you walking in MEvenge is the Lord your defense?