To Me Belongs Vengeance

April 29

Everyone has a conscience. Some of us may have seared ours to the point where it is so dulled that it can’t quicken within us when it should be able to alert us to the error of our ways, but the virtually universal fact is that people start out with a profound inner sense of right and wrong.

At an early age, it becomes apparent that there is a battle being waged within where each side—the good vs. the evil—are vying for ascendancy. Early indoctrination and acquired behaviors help determine whether it is the inner light or the inner darkness that will win the contest for control of the individual.

A most graphic contrast between conflicting values of two prominent world views is that regarding suicide bombers. People reared in the world of Islam view people who kill themselves and others in the name of Allah as heroes bound for paradise. The Christian world view counts such acts as mass murder and their perpetrators as worthy of eternal separation from the Holy God who IS LOVE. Both sides can’t be right and there can be no compromise between such divergent opinions.

The Christian believes Titus 2:11, 12, which says, “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to reject all ungodliness and worldly passions (including hatred), and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” It is neither the right nor the responsibility of the Christian to avenge wrongs in God’s behalf. He retains that prerogative for Himself according to Deuteronomy 32:35 which says, “To Me belongs vengeance…”