The Sinful Attitude Of Tit For Tat Series

Tit for tat, a phrase that describes the act of retaliating or seeking revenge in a subtle or disguised manner. This attitude is not only unproductive but also sinful, as it goes against the teachings of the Bible. In this sermon, we will explore the concept of tit for tat, its examples, and how it contradicts the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Examples of Tit for Tat

The Blame Game: When someone accuses you of something, and you respond by accusing them of something similar. This is a classic example of tit for tat, where instead of taking responsibility or apologizing, we shift the blame to the other person.

Passive-Aggressive Behavior: When someone does something to hurt or annoy you, and you respond by doing something similar, but in a subtle or indirect way. For example, someone cancels plans at the last minute, and you respond by "forgetting" to return their call or message.

Retaliatory Comments: When someone makes a hurtful or critical comment, and you respond with a similar comment, often disguised as a joke or a witty remark.

The Sinful Attitude of Tit for Tat

The Bible teaches us to love our enemies, to turn the other cheek, and to forgive those who wrong us (Matthew 5:38-42, Luke 6:27-36). However, the attitude of tit for tat is the opposite of these teachings. It is a sinful attitude that seeks revenge, rather than forgiveness and reconciliation.

Possessed by Their Own Demons

When we engage in tit for tat behavior, we are allowing our own demons to possess us. We are giving in to our fleshly desires for revenge and retaliation, rather than seeking to honor God and follow His teachings.

Rejecting the Fruit of the Holy Spirit

The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we engage in tit for tat behavior, we are rejecting these fruits and instead, choosing to act in a way that is contrary to God's nature.

Tit for tat is a sinful attitude that seeks revenge and retaliation, rather than forgiveness and reconciliation. It is a behavior that is contrary to the teachings of the Bible and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are called to love our enemies, to turn the other cheek, and to forgive those who wrong us. Let us seek to honor God and follow His teachings, rather than giving in to our fleshly desires for revenge and retaliation.