This is about being “vindictive.” It may seem obvious to say it, but there are vindictive people. You have seen them, and perhaps have personally felt the heat of their wrath.
A vindictive spirit lashes out unreasonably, mauling and wounding those who are perceived to be a threat. A vindictive spirit is cold and calculating, lying in wait and planning for the destruction of their supposed enemy, delighting to do the same (or greater) hurtful thing to others that they do not want to have happen to them.
Vindictive people are not looking for vindication, or a clearing of their own name, but rather for the destruction of others who they perceive to have contradicted and wounded them. Either internally or externally, a vindictive spirit becomes an intimidator, pursuing and bullying, mean and hateful.
You may encounter this spirit in your travels through this dark and fallen world. If you do, pray for God to lead you not into temptation, but to deliver you from all evil, into all of His goodness. God has not called His sons and daughters to associate with or take upon themselves a vindictive spirit. So be sure that a vindictive spirit never takes up residence in you. Rather, leave vengeance to God, if there is any need for vengeance. Always stay with God. Always abide in Him and embrace His ways and His truth. As Jesus said, “sanctify them in Your truth, Your word is truth.” God will have the last say in all the world and all the powers and players of darkness combined cannot resist Him when He acts. As the Scripture says, when God acts, who can reverse it? All the frenzy and fury of evil is on an eventual collision course with Almighty God Himself. So wait for God, call out to Him, and He will save you. Never doubt it.
Below are some verses from the Scripture as food for thought…
Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
–Romans 12:19
Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
–Proverbs 20:22
But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
–Matthew 5:39
See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.
–1 Thessalonians 5:15
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
–1 Peter 3:9
having good behavior among the nations, so in that which they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.
–1 Peter 2:12
having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ.
–1 Peter 3:16
But these speak evil of whatever things they don’t know. What they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed.
–Jude 1:10
But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you that “In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.” These are they who cause divisions, and are sensual, not having the Spirit. But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. On some have compassion, making a distinction, and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory in great joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
–Jude 1:17-25
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don’t consume one another.
–Galatians 5:14-15
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
–1 Peter 5:6-11
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
–Acts 5:29
the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
–1 Corinthians 1:25