Seperation of Person and Government
by Rod Jackson
"Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God, and those which exist are established by God....But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil." Romans 13: 1 & 4b
These verses show that the Government may avenge. However...
"Never take your own revenge, beloved, but give a place for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'VENGENCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,' says the Lord."
So the government may avenge but an individual person may not avenge. The Christian in their personal life should fight with the sword of their mouth.