D no repay evil with evil
1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
It is in the natural understanding of man to pay a man back in his own coin, it is the best satisfaction a man could get after a wrong has been done.
But Jesus taught us in Matt 5:43-45Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”
We are not to repay evil for evil because Jesus tells us to love our enemies. Bless those who curse us. Do good to them that hate you and pray for those who persecute you.
First, we not to repay evil for evil because the Bible teaches us not to.
Secondly, we are not to repay evil for evil because we are different. Jesus says this will prove that we are the children of God.
Matt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Children of God are peace makers. When we curse those who curse us we become initiator of violence. We are to seek to be at peace with everyone. Living the principles of Romans 12 sets us apart from others. it shows that we are different, a holy nation, a peculiar people.
Another reason why we are not to repay evil for evil is the example of our Heavenly Father.
God sends his rain on the good and the evil. He makes the sun rise on the just and the unjust. He sends his blessings on believers and unbelievers. It doesn’t matter if you are agnostic, an atheist, or a believer the rain will still fall and the sun will still shine. Ps 145:9 “The LORD is good to all…” and so should we as his children.
Not only is our Heavenly Father our example of not repaying evil for evil bur also Jesus. Jesus is our example for doing good to those who seek our harm. While on the cross dying for our sins and the sins of those who nailed him there he said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. . . .” Right at the height of his pain and agony, He prays for his enemies.
Whenever we are reviled, mistreated, insulted, in reality they are reviling/insulting the one we represent. Don’t take it personally.
God will repay those who mistreat us. Deut 32:35 God says, “Vengeance is Mine, and I will repay; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.” God will repay them for their evil deeds. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but one day.
When we repay evil with good, then we become peace ambassadors just has God has purposed us to be. And by so doing, we shall inherit blessings from Him.
Do not pay evil with evil. God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, forgive me for rendering evil for evil in the past in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, grant me a loving heart and the grace to always seeks the goodness of others irrespective of what they do to me in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.
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