For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2 Corinthians 7:11)

Finally, the last point in the Godly Sorrow series: Revenge. If you've missed the last six posts they are linked in the verse above.

Do Christians take revenge? Yes, but not the way the worldly do. It's exactly the opposite.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:5,6)

Now you know! One of the greatest enemies of man is his selfish natures. His thoughts and desires that go against God's will concerning his life. The depravity of sin is often taken lightly and that's why many believers are failing and falling away. They are caught up in their imaginations and lust for knowledge that does not confirm with the Word of God.

• An insight from Paul's life reveals how he revenged all disobedience by obeying the Word of God, walking in the leading of the Holy Spirit. In Philippians 3:4-6, he reveals his former zeal of killing Christians and how he obeyed the law to the T. Only to later, rescue people from that lifestyle after he met Christ.
• Peter and the disciples were sloppy when they walked with Jesus; sleeping when they should have prayed, lying, denying, violent, doubting, betraying, etc. Since they received the Holy Spirit, they gave their lives for the glory of God. they avenged all their bad, selfish natures and lack, by doing the will of God.
• King David had greatly sinned against God. He had it all, loved by his men and loved by God. Yet, in a moment of weakness he almost lost all. His sin included, lust, betrayal, misuse of power, adultery, and murder (I'm sure I've missed some more, but you get the gist). When he realised his fault, he greatly repented, walked in obedience and found his life restored in the Lord.

Anyone who has had an encounter with Christ knows without a doubt the beautiful life he or she has entered into. When we realise the darkness we were in, now in the light, we shudder to think how did we live like that! We know for a fact that it was impossible to be free, had it not been for the precious blood of Jesus and the power of resurrection.

This path is not easy, it is full of suffering. Yet, the good Lord takes us through it all joyfully when we trust and rely on Him alone.

Although He was a Son [who had never been disobedient to the Father], He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)

Christians too, will learn obedience through whatever suffering the Lord allows. When we lean on Him no matter what, revenge all disobedience, God will finally avenge us by rescuing us from this increasingly evil and sinful world (Luke 18:7).