One of the most challenging things any of us will face in life is being treated unjustly. Something deep in our souls cries out for justice. Unfortunately this godly desire is easily corrupted into bitterness and a desire for revenge, both of which are anti-God. Left unchecked bitterness will destroy us and those around us, and revenge, according to the Bible, is God’s domain alone. When we go there, we are likely to bring his judgment upon ourselves.

Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their calamity is near, And the impending things are hastening upon them. Deuteronomy 32:35 (NASB) 

When we we are on the receiving end of injustice, it is important for us to resist the urge to respond sinfully. Jesus taught us not to return evil for evil.

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36  You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 6:35-36 (NLT)

The only way a person can follow Christ’s teaching on this matter is if he or she believes that God is just and has everything under control. As the Apostle Peter encouraged us:

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT) 

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. 1 Peter 4:19 (NASB) 

The only way to do this is if we believe that God will eventually bring all of us to give an account for what we say, think, and do. A firm belief in God’s justice and judgment is part of the gospel message, as Paul so clearly showed when he delivered the following statement to the people in Athens.

"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31  because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31 (NASB)  

Without this conviction, we may think and act as if we must personally take action to insure that justice is done.

Faith in God’s justice and sovereign rule over his creation is the foundation for releasing justice issues into his hands.

Is there a place for self-defense? Of course. Is there a time to go to war against those who are trying to annihilate you? Yes. But is there also a time for taking injustice “on the chin,” without retaliating? Yes, especially when that injustice is linked to being persecuted for our faith and allegiance to Christ. It may be quite proper to kill another human being in defense of family or country, but I cannot think of a situation where Jesus taught his followers to kill as part of demonstrating their allegiance to him.

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. Revelation 12:11 (NASB) 

How do we decide what to do in any given situation?

• First of all, reaffirm our faith in God’s sovereignty and justice.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Psalm 89:14 (ESV) 

• Secondly, lay aside any desire for revenge.

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. Romans 12:19 (NASB) 

• Thirdly, ask the Holy Spirit what is the loving way to respond.

For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 (NASB) 

• Lastly, act in such a way that blends faith with love and demonstrates our enduring hope in the gospel. This will necessarily include praying for those who mistreat us.

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28 (NASB)

When Jesus was put to death, he asked his heavenly Father to forgive his torturers. (Luke 23:34)  He knew and trusted that his Abba was in control, regardless of how it looked or felt. He released himself into God’s hands and trusted him for a perfect outcome, which, in his case, included the resurrection.

Jesus was able to show mercy to his persecutors because he knew that his heavenly Father would impose perfect justice in his way and his time.

Jesus’ firm trust in his Father’s sovereignty and justice allowed him to lay down his life as the Lamb of God and three days later rise from the dead as Lord of Lords and Ruler over the nations.

Humble faith in God’s justice will elevate us to a place of honor in God’s kingdom.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10 (ESV) 

Jesus will one day return as the Judge over all the affairs of mankind. God extends mercy to every sinner who directly or indirectly participated in the terrible injustice of killing his Son, which includes all of us, but if we do not repent and accept the forgiveness offered in the gospel, we will eventually encounter the flaming fire and destruction of God’s justice.

For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE." 31  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31 (NASB)  

It is important for us to consider that the children of those leaders who put the Messiah to death were annihilated along with the entire city of Jerusalem by the Roman army some forty years later.

God is never mocked. There will always be hell to pay for injustice for those who refuse to repent.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Galatians 6:7 (NASB) 

It is one thing to understand these principles, but another thing altogether to live them out when we personally encounter injustice. If we are still on the wrong side of God’s justice, today is the day for us to accept God’s amazing offer of forgiveness and reconciliation. The gospel offers us the opportunity to lay down our rebellion against God, receive forgiveness, and be reconciled to Abba Father. Once we have done that, may these words encourage us to trust in God’s justice rather than try to impose our own.