REVENGE! Did he do the right thing?

King Louis XII of France, began his reign in 1494.  During the reign of his predecessor, Charles VIII, Louis launched a revolt, was captured and cast in prison in 1488.  Louis was kept in chains, tortured and cruelly treated.  Later, when he became King, he was urged to seek revenge on those who had abused him.

King Louis prepared a scroll on which he listed all who had perpetrated crimes against him.  Then, behind each man’s name, he placed a cross in red ink.

When the guilty heard of this, they feared for their lives, thinking it meant torture and certain death. They were all brought before the King, who explained . . .

“The cross which I drew beside each name was not a sign of punishment or death.  It was a pledge of forgiveness extended for the sake of the crucified Saviour, who, upon the cross, forgave His enemies and prayed for them.  I extend forgiveness to all and pray for each of you.”

1 Peter 2:22-23  CEV
Although Christ was abused, He never tried to get even.
And when He suffered, He made no threats.
Instead, He had faith in God, who judges fairly.

Ephesians 4:32  CEV
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others.
Don’t curse each other.
Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others,
just as God forgave you because of Christ.

Romans 12:19  NASB
Never take your own revenge, beloved,
but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written,
“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

# An unforgiven sin presents an insuperable barrier to blessing, so the forgiveness of sins is the priceless boon which opens the door to every other blessing.  Geoffrey B Wilson

History records those men who were forgiven by King Louis became his most loyal supporters.
#  The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness   William Blake