Rejecting Revenge
By Rooted Africa
Jonathan Edwards had resolved to actively seek opportunities for generosity (Resolution #13) and to guard against pride in knowledge (Resolution #12). Now he addressed a common root of relational harm: revenge.
Resolution 14
Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to act from a motive of revenge—no retaliation, no payback, no getting even, no matter the wrong done to him. This resolution reflects the gospel's call to leave vengeance to God (Romans 12:19: “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’”). Edwards wanted a life free from bitterness, trusting God's justice instead of taking it into his own hands.Why This Matters TodayRevenge feels natural—someone wrongs us, and the impulse to hurt back rises quickly. In workplaces, families, friendships, or online interactions, resentment can fester into actions or words that dishonor God. Edwards challenges us: Will I respond in grace, or in kind? True freedom comes from releasing revenge to God.Applying Resolution 14 Practically
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 15.This is Day 14 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading
Jonathan Edwards had resolved to actively seek opportunities for generosity (Resolution #13) and to guard against pride in knowledge (Resolution #12). Now he addressed a common root of relational harm: revenge.
Resolution 14
Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to act from a motive of revenge—no retaliation, no payback, no getting even, no matter the wrong done to him. This resolution reflects the gospel's call to leave vengeance to God (Romans 12:19: “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’”). Edwards wanted a life free from bitterness, trusting God's justice instead of taking it into his own hands.Why This Matters TodayRevenge feels natural—someone wrongs us, and the impulse to hurt back rises quickly. In workplaces, families, friendships, or online interactions, resentment can fester into actions or words that dishonor God. Edwards challenges us: Will I respond in grace, or in kind? True freedom comes from releasing revenge to God.Applying Resolution 14 Practically
- When wronged: Pause and pray: “Lord, I trust Your justice—help me respond in love.”
- In conflict: Choose forgiveness or silence over retaliation.
- In leadership or daily life: Model grace—don't repay insult with insult or harm with harm.
- Habit: When revenge tempts, recall Christ's example on the cross (1 Peter 2:23).
- Where have I recently felt the urge for revenge or payback? How did I respond?
- What would change in my relationships if I never acted from revenge?
- How does trusting God's vengeance free me to love others?
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 15.This is Day 14 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading
- Full text of Edwards' Resolutions: https://www.jonathan-edwards.org/Resolutions.html
- "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" (Desiring God): https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards
- Ligonier Ministries overview: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/resolutions-jonathan-edwards
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