The certainty of God’s coming judgment is a warning to the rebellious, and a great comfort to genuine believers (1 Pet. 4:5-6). Only Christians can live with the peaceful confidence that no injustice suffered at the hands of sinful men will go unpunished; everyone ultimately answers to God. Moreover, only Christians can also die in this confidence, knowing that they will eternally “live in the spirit” (1 Pet. 4:6), through God’s mercies in Christ.
In view of this, believers must always leave judgment to God, and not try and take matters in their own hands when wronged by others. They must follow the example of Jesus Christ, and keep “…entrusting themselves to Him who judges justly.” (1 Pet. 2:21-23) In no uncertain terms, Paul expresses this very same truth in Rom. 12:17-21 –
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
May God give us all grace and power through His Spirit to live this way, that Christ would be all the more exalted through our lives!
Because He lives,
Greg