Revenge Harms You As Much As The Other Person

Revenge feels like power in the moment—but it always bills you later with interest. It taxes your peace, your focus, and your future. Today, let’s trade payback for purpose.

“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you.” — Proverbs 20:22

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves… ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” — Romans 12:19

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44

A quick story

Two hikers reached a narrow bridge. One muttered, “Don’t look down,” and hurried across. The other stared at the canyon, froze, and clung to the railing. Same bridge, different focus. Revenge makes you look down—into old hurts, insults, and scores to settle. Forgiveness fixes your eyes forward and frees your feet to move.

Why revenge backfires

It keeps you anchored to your offender. You replay their words and give them free rent in your head. It shrinks your world to one mission: “Get even,” instead of “Grow better.” It steals tomorrow’s strength to pay yesterday’s debt.

A better path (5 steps)

Name it, don’t nurse it. Write the hurt in one honest sentence. Then write who you want to become despite it. Pray before you speak. Ask God for the right response and the right timing. Silence can be strength. Bless, don’t blast. Do one small good deed that contradicts the cycle (a kind text, a respectful reply, a prayer). Move your energy upward. Channel the sting into training, learning, serving, creating—anything that builds you. Release the gavel. Tell God: “You judge this. I’ll pursue purpose.” Then keep going.

What forgiveness is (and isn’t)

Is: Obedience, strength, and a gift you give yourself. Isn’t: Excusing, forgetting, or trusting someone who hasn’t changed. Set boundaries and choose wisdom.

Say this today

“I refuse to be defined by what hurt me. I’m defined by the One who healed me.”

Prayer

“Lord, I place this hurt in Your hands. Guard my heart from bitterness. Give me courage to respond with wisdom, grace, and strength. Redirect my energy into what You’ve called me to build. Amen.”