June 7

“May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me–but my hand will not touch you.” — 1 Sam 24:12

There are apt to be wrong views about bearing injuries. People ask, “Is there to be no justice in cases like David’s? Must we quietly bear wrong? and must the person who does the wrong never receive any punishment?” Our sense of right is sometimes so outraged, that our soul cries out in remonstrance, when we are told that we never should resent nor resist–but turn the other cheek when one cheek has been smitten. The Bible teaching is that, it is not our part to punish those who wrong us. Our clumsy hands are not skillful enough to adjust such delicate matters.

We are not required to say that a certain person’s treatment of us was right, when it was manifestly wrong–but we are to recognize the truth that the question of justice is God’s matter, not ours; that our part is to be patient and meek, leaving in God’s hands the whole adjustment of right and wrong.

Two Scripture passages help to make this plain: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19. “When reviled, He did not revile in return; when suffering, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to the One who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23.