Leadership lessons learned about letting God “settle the score”
Leading with Trust: When Leaving Vengeance to God
The human drive for justice is deeply ingrained. When wronged, our natural instinct is to seek retribution, to “settle the score,” to ensure the scales are balanced. This desire can be particularly acute for leaders, who feel the weight of responsibility for their team and often bear the brunt of criticism and attack.
However, within the framework of faith, letting go of this need for personal payback becomes a powerful leadership tool. By trusting God to deliver ultimate justice, leaders cultivate inner peace, foster healthy relationships, and unleash the transformative power of forgiveness. The Bible offers many verses that guide us on this path.
Proverbs 20:22 teaches, “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; leave vengeance to the LORD, and he will deliver you” (NIV). This verse provides a clear directive: retribution belongs to God. While confronting wrongdoing may be necessary, seeking personal revenge is not. In Proverbs 24:29, we see the practical implication of this principle: “Do not say, ‘I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done’” (NIV). This verse challenges the tit-for-tat mentality, urging us to break the cycle of resentment and respond with a higher standard.
Leaving vengeance to God doesn’t imply passivity or condoning injustice. Leaders are called to confront harmful behavior within their sphere of influence and uphold righteous standards. Romans 12:19 instructs, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right before everyone” (NIV). This verse emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and acting with fairness, even towards those who have wronged us.
The real power of entrusting vengeance to God lies in its transformative impact on relationships. Letting go of bitterness and resentment allows for healing and reconciliation. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 beautifully describes this transformative process: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not arrogant. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (NIV). By choosing love and forgiveness over vengeance, leaders create an environment where relationships can flourish, and conflicts can be resolved constructively.
Furthermore, entrusting God with justice allows leaders to focus on their true tasks: guiding their team, inspiring excellence, and fostering a positive environment. Leaders lose sight of their larger purpose when consumed by the desire for payback and become entangled in negativity. Psalm 37:5–6 declares, “Commit your way to the LORD, trust in him, and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your just cause like the noonday sun” (NIV). This verse reminds us that in fulfilling our God-given responsibilities, we can trust Him to vindicate us in His own time and way.
The path of letting go of vengeance can be challenging. It requires faith, humility, and a willingness to trust in God’s perfect timing. However, the rewards are immense. Leaders who embrace this principle cultivate inner peace, strengthen their relationships, and become conduits of God’s transformative power in their sphere of influence. Remember, as Romans 12:17 exhorts, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be sure to live with dignity in the eyes of everyone” (NIV). When we lead with trust in God, we lead with dignity, grace, and the strength that comes from knowing justice rests in His hands.
In leadership, we often navigate complex situations and face difficult decisions. Let’s dive deeper and explore leadership lessons learned from biblical characters and how they let God “settle the score.”
David: Humility and Trust in God’s Timing
David, the shepherd-turned-king, faced numerous trials throughout his life. In 1 Samuel 17, David demonstrated the importance of humility and trust in God’s timing. When he faced Goliath, he did not rely on his own strength or the armor of man, but instead trusted in the Lord to deliver him from his enemy. David’s faith in God allowed him to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and defeat Goliath.
“You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand” (1 Samuel 17:45–46).
Gideon: Reliance on God’s Strength
Gideon, in Judges 7, teaches us the importance of relying on God’s strength rather than our own. God instructed Gideon to reduce the size of his army to a mere 300 men, demonstrating that victory comes from God, not from the might of our own forces. Gideon’s obedience and trust in the Lord led to a decisive victory over the Midianites.
“The Lord said to Gideon, ‘The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel boast over me, saying, “My own hand has saved me”’” (Judges 7:2).
Moses: The Power of Prayer and Intercession
In Exodus 32, Moses demonstrated the power of prayer and intercession when the Israelites made a golden calf to worship while he was on Mount Sinai. God was furious and wanted to destroy the people, but Moses interceded on their behalf, pleading with God to spare them. God relented, showing the importance of a leader’s role in standing in the gap for their people.
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you’” (Exodus 32:9–10).
Esther: Courage and Faith in the Face of Adversity
In the book of Esther, Esther shows great courage and faith in the face of adversity. As queen, she risked her own life to save her people from the evil Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews. Esther’s faith in God and her willingness to take a stand for what was right ultimately led to the salvation of her people.
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Daniel: Integrity and Faithfulness in Leadership
Daniel, in the book of Daniel, demonstrated faithfulness and integrity in leadership. Despite the pressure to conform to the culture and practices of Babylon, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God. His unwavering devotion to the Lord ultimately led to his promotion and favor with King Darius.
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).
These biblical leaders provide valuable lessons for today’s leaders. By following their examples of humility, trust in God’s timing, reliance on His strength, prayer, courage in the face of adversity, and faithfulness and integrity in leadership, we can become more effective leaders and better serve those under our care.
Remember, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1), and as leaders, we can find guidance, strength, and wisdom in the Lord as we navigate leadership challenges.
In Romans 12:19, Paul advises, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” This powerful verse teaches leaders the importance of restraint and trust in divine justice. The idea isn’t to be passive in the face of wrongdoing but to avoid the cycle of vengeance and hatred that can consume individuals and communities. By refraining from personal retaliation and allowing God to handle matters of justice, leaders can maintain their integrity and focus on positive actions.
Matthew 5:38–39 also touches upon this theme, where Jesus tells his followers, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” This radical teaching emphasizes the importance of responding to injustice not with equivalent retaliation but with a spirit of forgiveness and grace. It’s a call for leaders to rise above the instinct for revenge and demonstrate a higher standard of behavior.
Psalm 37:7–9 further elaborates on this concept by encouraging believers to “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret — it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” This passage teaches that, ultimately, justice will prevail, and those who do wrong will face consequences. Leaders are reminded to be patient and focus on doing good rather than being consumed by the apparent success of the unjust.
The Bible underscores the importance of patience and faith in a just outcome. Leaders often face situations where justice seems delayed or absent, and these verses remind them that in the grand scheme, justice will be served. Second, they emphasize the transformative power of forgiveness. By choosing forgiveness over revenge, leaders can break the cycle of animosity and build more peaceful and cooperative relationships.
Leaders are taught the value of integrity and moral conduct. In a world where unethical behavior might seem advantageous, Biblical wisdom advises leaders to maintain their ethical standards and trust that the right actions will ultimately lead to the best outcome. This focus on ethical behavior ensures a clear conscience and builds trust and respect among followers.
Instead of seeking revenge or harboring resentment, individuals should place their trust in divine justice. Letting God “settle the score” is a profound leadership lesson rooted in Biblical teachings. It emphasizes the importance of trust, patience, forgiveness, and integrity. By embodying these values, leaders can navigate challenges more effectively, foster a more positive and cooperative environment, and ensure that their actions are aligned with a higher moral and ethical standard.
References
The Holy Bible, NIV/NLT
