Scripture warns against revenge at the personal level: - *“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.” (Romans 12:19, NIV)* - *“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.” (Proverbs 20:22, NIV)* - *“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44, NIV)* At the same time, governments are described as God’s servants in carrying out justice: - *“For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4, NIV)* When a government acts out of revenge rather than justice, does this mean it is violating God’s law?