Asking God to avenge me wrong?

DirectionSeeker · Feb 25, 2021

Hi,

Before I articulate something to God in prayer I'd like to know if it's in accordance with His will for me to do so. I'm pretty timid, and I loathe sinning, and I'm the rather safe than sorry type of guy. Anyway, is expressing oneself in the following manner in accordance with scripture or am I sinning by telling God this: "Lord, give these people what they deserve, unless they repent"? After all, being angry is not always sin (Eph 4:26), and we are commanded to hate sin (Rom 12:9; psalm 97:10). Is expressing oneself in that matter a way to express that hate towards sin we're supposed to have, maybe?

Scripture that seems to support this are 1 Corinthians 16:22 and Rev 6:10. Besides, isn't the expression above just a paraphrase of John 3:18? I mean, those who practice evil in a manner clearly showing they are not believing in Christ, aren't they already condemned?

Jay Sea · Feb 25, 2021

"Sinners" are God's problem to deal with not ours. We are commanded to love, and forgive, heal and to feed etc. Remember Forgive others as we as we want to be forgiven. Love as Jeshua did, unconditionally. Seek not retribution but rehabilitation for sinners, after all we all ,miss the mark, ie sin. Concentrate on the target, lead a love filled life of service do not judge others. Love God, Love yourself so you can love others. If you miss the mark try again and again and again.
In Love
Jay Sea

A_Thinker · Feb 25, 2021

ALL of us DESERVE death ... for not living up to the expectations of a holy God.

God specializes ... in giving us better than what we deserve.

We were ALL enemies of God ... and He loved us enough to die for us anyway. Romans 5:8

Perhaps your prayer could be reworded to say ... "Lord, ... have Your way with them ... " ???

Jaedan · Feb 25, 2021

"Lord, give these people what they deserve, unless they repent"

Every person sins. Christians and non-Christians sin. We all deserve to be "dealt" with by God.

I'm not for sure if it is (I'm by all means, not a theologian). But one thing I do know is God expects Christians to pray for their enemies in a positive way (if that makes sense?).

Matthew 5:44: But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

Kenny'sID · Feb 25, 2021

Romans 12:19
English Standard Version

19 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.”

That in mind, why not ask him, he may see they deserve it and deserve it now, or not.

Surely he will respect the fact you asked him instead if doing it yourself.

Sabertooth · Feb 25, 2021

All sin gets judged, either in our flesh or at the Cross.
God would rather us not be there when it happens.
That is, He would rather separate us from our sins, so He can preserve us while judging our sin. Win/win!

Jesus spoke to your your question in Matthew 18:21-35,

Forgive One Another, Faithful Heart (1990)

"He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8 NKJV

Maria Billingsley · Feb 25, 2021

Welcome! My understanding is we should always forgive. So if you want to avenge that means you have not yet forgiven. Be blessed.

NomNomPizza · Feb 25, 2021

not wrong but also

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.

but sometimes God uses people do to the Vengeance

And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies.

Job3315 · Feb 25, 2021

I use that prayer if is a demonic attack, so whatever justice I seek is against any demonic forces. If is a person, I learned to pray for them. Anyone who hurts me or hates me etc. doesn't know God and are living their own hell. God also says that if we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven, so I always keep that in mind whenever my mind wonder into wishing evil upon someone. I just learned to place boundaries if they don't know how to communicate in a healthy way. I am powerful to manage myself and whatever I allow into my life.

topher694 · Feb 25, 2021

No, this is not in line with scripture. This is dangerously close to witchcraft. We are to bless those who curse us and pray for (not against) those who spiteful use us. Our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with spiritual enemies.

Rachel20 · Feb 25, 2021

I agree with all the answers that it's better to forgive. But ... if it's an ongoing oppressive situation, I would pray for God to intervene. This isn't asking for revenge, but for help.

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: ... Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: (from Psalm 146)

dqhall · Feb 26, 2021

From Christ’s Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:38 (World English Bible) “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21 39 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. 40 If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 41 Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor Leviticus 19:18 and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Joyous Song · Feb 26, 2021

There is a Jewish prayer that goes this way:
My G-d, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking falsehood.To those who abuse me, may I give no heed; and let my soul be forgiving to everyone. Open my heart to Your Torah, then my soul will pursue Your commandments. As for all those who design evil against me, frustrate their counsel and disrupt their designs. Do this for Your Name's sake; for Your right hand's sake; for Your sanctity's sake; and according to Your Torah. That Your beloved ones may be given rest; let Your right hand save,and respond to me. May they be acceptable the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, before You Adonai, my rock and my redeemer

Jay Sea · Feb 26, 2021

If G-d commands us to love and forgive and have compassion, how can we do that if everyone deserves death. Death is not G-d's will for us He offers life and so should we. Let us turn our arms into plough shares: give up war and our guns etc. make peace with all mankind: the Kingdom of G-d is here and now: Live It!!!!
In LOve
Jay Sea

A_Thinker · Feb 26, 2021

I agree with your line of thought. My answer was in response to the OP's focus on what his enemies deserve.

Death is not God's will for His creatures.

But neither is stagnation, ... so ... ya snooze, ya lose ...

Asking God to avenge me wrong?

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