The Christian And Revenge Series

Revenge might well be called the battle cry of the modern age. Everyone wants to get even or get back or get to someone else. The world is full of inequality and always will be. There will always be good and bad, rich and poor, famous and unknown. Perhaps, I should riot because I do not have as much as Billy Graham. Perhaps I should kill because everyone does not agree with me. GOD FORBID!!!!

I. Revenge Forbidden by God

Romans 12:17; Recompense to no man evil for evil

1 Thessalonians 5:15; See that none render evil for evil unto any man

1 Peter 3:9; Not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing. (Insult)

Proverbs 24:29; Say not I will do so to him as he hath done to me.

Leviticus 19:18; Thou shalt not avenge nor bear any grudge

A. Eye for eye and tooth for tooth were in effect only for judicial matters and we still have this type of legal system in effect today.

B. A man was never at liberty, upon his own discretion to render damage to another in the form of recompense or repayment.

II. It is Rebuked by Christ.

Luke 9:55; He turned and rebuked them, and said, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.”

III. It is Wrong in Every Circumstance

A. In physical insult

Note: This is talking about revenge not protection.

1. A slap in the face is considered the greatest of insult.

a. This will break a spirit.

b. The Bible says spank a child, not slap a child.

2. This would cover not just the physical aspect but also the mental aspect.

a. When we are insulted, rebuttal simply lowers us to their stature.

b. The best way to handle an insult is with a smile.

B. In physical loss

1. We are to take the ruling of the courts without spite and revenge.

2. This does not mean however we cannot thru peaceful and legal means attempt to change the ruling.

3. This does not mean that we cannot defend ourselves in a court of law.

4. The only thing we cannot do is take a Christian brother to court in the courts of the world. It must be handled in the church.

C. In physical inconvenience

1. If you are compelled by law to do something of inconvenience for another, do twice as much, for now you are on the offensive.

2. The rules are yours and you have the advantage.

D. In physical hardship

1. We are to give to all who ask, we must give.

a. Even to the point where our reserves are exhausted.

b. According to this portion compared to 2 Thessalonians 3:10; “If any would not work, neither should he eat.”

We are obliged to give no matter what the situation, however they are not allowed to ask.

I think the answer to this would be in all kindness simply showing them the Scripture, explaining to them that they are wrong in asking and that you would be promoting their sin in giving to them.

Note: The decision on this last verse must come from you. The Holy Spirit indwells our body and will make the decision for us if we allow him to. I do know however to turn down one that truly needs your help, even to the point of hardship, is a sin in the eyes of God.