Introduction
The Righteous Judge Who Fights for His Own
As believers in Jesus Christ, we sometimes find ourselves wronged, insulted, betrayed, or even attacked without cause. In such moments, the natural human reaction is to defend ourselves, retaliate, or wish ill upon those who mistreat us. But Scripture teaches a higher way—a way that takes the focus off ourselves and places it on the Lord Jesus Christ, who is both Saviour and Judge.
When wrongdoers face sudden setbacks, misfortunes, or divine discipline, it is not our power or personal revenge at work—it is Jesus Christ Himself, defending His name and His people. As the offended, we must remain humble, acknowledging that vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us.
#1 Understanding the Source of Justice
Many people believe that when the wicked suffer consequences, it is the offended person’s retaliation that caused it. But the Bible makes it clear that it is God who judges and repays.
Romans 12:19 says:
“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.’”
When we are wronged, the Lord takes it personally because we belong to Him (Zechariah 2:8). Every act of harm against a believer is an act against Christ Himself. That is why consequences often follow those who persist in wrongdoing—it is the Lord’s hand, not ours.
#2 Why We Must Not Take Credit for Setbacks on Wrongdoers
If we claim responsibility for the downfall of our offenders, we fall into pride and risk placing ourselves in God’s seat of judgment. We must remember:
The battle belongs to the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:15).
We are called to bless, not curse (Luke 6:27–28).
God’s justice is perfect—ours is flawed by emotion and bias.
When Jesus defends us, it is His righteousness on display. Taking credit shifts the glory from Christ to self, which dishonours God.
#3 The Hidden Work of Jesus Christ in the Life of the Wrongdoer
Often, setbacks such as financial loss, broken relationships, unexplained sickness, or public disgrace are not random accidents—they may be divine wake-up calls.
Christ uses discipline not just to punish, but to call wrongdoers to repentance (Hebrews 12:6). When these things happen, we must see them as opportunities for the offender to turn back to God, not as trophies for our personal satisfaction.
#4 Our Role When We Are Wronged
When people offend us, our role is not to strike back but to:
- Pray for them – Matthew 5:44: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Release them to God’s judgment – Psalm 37:7-8 reminds us to refrain from anger and trust God’s timing.
- Maintain a pure heart – Bitterness can block God’s blessings in our own life.
- Real-Life Reflection
Think of Joseph in Genesis 50:20—wronged by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. When he rose to power and could have destroyed those who harmed him, he said:
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
Joseph understood that the outcomes—both the blessings in his life and the trials his brothers faced—were not his doing, but God’s sovereign work.
Conclusion
When the wrongdoer suffers a setback, it is not our hand that moves—it is the hand of Jesus Christ, the Righteous Judge. He defends His people, vindicates His name, and works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Our responsibility is to stay humble, avoid pride in our downfall, and allow Christ to receive all the glory.
Reflection Questions
- How do I usually respond when wronged—do I seek to fight back, or do I hand the matter to God?
- Have I ever taken credit for someone’s misfortune instead of giving glory to Jesus?
- In what ways can I better show trust in God’s justice moving forward?
Action Point
PS: I know you might agree with some of the points raised in this article or disagree with some of the issues raised.
Please share your thoughts on the topic discussed. We would appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.
