Scriptural guidance concerning vengeance and retribution
Our task in life is to simply focus our own personal attention on always
offering loving-kindness,
compassion and generosity in every situation... and letting the Almighty take
action against those who behave otherwise.
The scriptures do not imply that there is no retribution, but rather they
clearly say that any such retribution is not our own personal task. For indeed there will be
retribution, carried out by Divine Law wherein each one reaps that which was
sown.
Anger, hostility and personal retribution will only beget more violence. If
we wish to have a better world, then we must rise above anger and conflict, and
continually offer our heartfelt loving-kindness, compassion and generosity to
all.
Old Testament scriptures:
Deuteronomy
32:35
- 35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their
foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and
the things that shall come upon them make haste.
New Testament scriptures:
Matthew 5:38-39
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye,
and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye
resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to
him the other also.
Matthew 26:52
52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his
place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Romans 12:19
- 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give
place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith
the Lord.
Hebrews 10:30
- 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth
unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge
his people.
-
Luke 18:7-8
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and
night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you
that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh,
shall he find faith on the earth?
Colossians 3:23-25
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and
not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the
reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he
that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no
respect of persons.
Al-Qur'an scriptures:
Surah Al-Maida, Ayah 45
Yusuf Ali translation:
We ordained therein for them: "Life for life eye for eye nose for nose ear
for ear tooth for tooth and wounds equal for equal." But if anyone remits the
retaliation by way of charity it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any
fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed they are (no better
than) wrong-doers.
The Beautiful Names of Allah:
al-Muntaqim : The Avenger, The Disapprover, The
Inflictor of Retribution
The One who disapproves of wrongdoers.
The One who reminds us when our behavior is not right.
The One who is the avenger (such that we need not seek any personal
revenge).
The One and Only One who has the right to exact vengeance.
Wishing you love, harmony and beauty,
wahiduddin
updated Oct 30, 2014
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