Christ, Not Vengeance, In The Face Of Violence

Introduction

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shocked our nation. People are angry. Some are fearful. Some call for retaliation. Others want political power to crush perceived enemies. But in such moments, the church must remember who we are and what our Lord has commanded.

We are not of the world, though we live in the world. We do not fight with the world’s weapons. And most importantly, we do not take into our hands what God has reserved for Himself.

Romans 12:19 reminds us plainly: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” And 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 tells us: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds).”

Beloved, today we will learn what Christians must do in the face of violence: we must trust God’s justice, reject fleshly vengeance, follow Christ’s example, and overcome evil with good.

1. God Alone Executes Vengeance

Romans 12:19

Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Spirit, commands: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

This is not a suggestion. It is a divine prohibition. Vengeance belongs to God and to God alone. To take vengeance is to seize God’s prerogative, to climb into His throne, and to declare yourself judge, jury, and executioner.

When Cain slew Abel, God Himself judged Cain (Genesis 4).

When Egypt wronged Israel, God Himself judged Pharaoh (Exodus 12).

When Paul was wronged, he left judgment to God, saying in 2 Timothy 4:14: “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works.”

Application: In moments like these, when outrage swells, remember this: God’s justice is perfect. Ours is flawed. His vengeance is righteous. Ours is tainted by sin. Trust Him. Rest in Him. He will repay.

2. We Do Not War After the Flesh

2 Corinthians 10:3–4

Paul says: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds).”

This means that although we live in human bodies, our battle is not fought with human weapons. Guns, swords, political rage, or mobs cannot advance Christ’s kingdom.

Our weapons are truth, prayer, righteousness, the Word of God, and the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:10–18). These weapons tear down strongholds of unbelief, demolish lies, and rescue sinners from darkness.

When the church in Acts was persecuted, they did not riot. They prayed (Acts 4:29–31).

When Paul was imprisoned, he did not call for insurrection. He preached Christ even to Caesar’s household (Philippians 1:12–14).

Application: The Christian must never confuse cultural wars with spiritual warfare. We fight not with carnal power, but with divine truth.

3. Christ’s Example in Suffering

1 Peter 2:21–23

Peter writes: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”

This is the pattern. Christ, though reviled, never retaliated. Though crucified unjustly, He never cursed His executioners. Instead, He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

He could have called twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53), but He restrained Himself.

He bore injustice patiently, entrusting judgment to His Father.

Application: Beloved, if Christ bore injustice without retaliation, how can we do otherwise? To act like Christ is to suffer wrong without seeking revenge. We entrust ourselves to the same righteous Judge.

4. Overcome Evil with Good

Romans 12:20–21

Paul continues: “Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is radical. The world says: hate your enemy. Christ says: love your enemy (Matthew 5:44). The world says: destroy your adversary. Christ says: Do good to them.

When Stephen was stoned to death, he cried out: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60). This is not weakness. This is gospel power. To forgive in the face of murder is to mirror the grace of Christ.

Application: We do not overcome by retaliation. We are overwhelmed by grace. The testimony of a forgiving, Christlike church is a greater rebuke to the world than any act of vengeance could ever be.

5. Our Citizenship is in Heaven

Philippians 3:20

Paul declares: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”