The playwright William Shakespeare once said, “If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?” The desire to inflict punishment on those who have wronged us is human nature.

Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.

Proverbs 20:22

But psychologists suggest that revenge, while perhaps sweet at first, eventually causes unhappiness and a cycle of retaliation. Today’s passage offers biblical advice for anger with your fellow man. Let God handle retribution. He is the only one with the right to judge. It’s easy to allow resentment to take root, so choose unity with your neighbor instead.

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) Ask God to help you forgive wrongs and embrace grace as you draw close to the One who pours grace into your own life. Pray, too, for your national leaders to respond with kindness when they are wronged. May they exchange their vengeance for peace and come to know the ultimate peace giver.

Recommended Reading: Romans 13:8-14