Leaving vengeance to the wrath of God

We are commanded not to avenge ourselves but to leave all vengeance to God’s wrath.

 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)

But just how do we leave vengeance to God?  If what another person does to hurt us involves a violation of the law, there is a very easy way.  Inform the police and press criminal charges against him.  Here is what the Bible says about the role of government.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:1-4)

Did you notice the last sentence?  For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.   When we ask the government to take action against someone who has hurt us we are not avenging ourselves but turning the matter over to God’s servant.

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Was Jesus really a pacifist?

Jesus is perceived by many as being a pacifist who never practiced or advocated violence of any kind.  He commanded us to turn the other cheek when someone hits us and to love everyone, including our enemies.  On the basis of these commands some Christians have concluded that a Christian must never engage in any kind of violence.  They believe it is wrong for a Christian to serve in the military, even if his country is at war.

If we consider only these teachings of Jesus this seems to be a logical conclusion.  But Jesus also did and said some things that are inconsistent with pacifism.

Buy a sword but turn the other cheek

Jesus gave two commands that on the surface seem to contradict each other.

Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:39

But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.
Luke 22:36

What is the point of owning a sword if you are forbidden to defend yourself against an attacker?