1 Thessalonians 5:15 - Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Matthew 5:44-45 - But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
1 Peter 2:21 - To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Romans 12:18-20 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Conclusions:
- Retaliation is never a Christian option
- Christians are called to forgive
- Prayer is one of the practical ways love expresses itself
- The patient endurance of injustice is part of God’s plan for the Christian
- It was an important feature of the true grace of God experienced by the readers
- Christ is the supreme example of suffering evil for doing good
- His experience as the suffering Servant-Savior transforms the suffering of His followers from misery into privilege
- Jesus pronounced a blessing on peacemakers, and believers are to cultivate peace with everyone to the extent that it depends on them
- Doing good to one’s enemy, instead of trying to take revenge, may bring about his repentance
Application:
- Do you forgive?
- Do you love your enemies?
- Do you endure patiently?
- Do you cultivate peace with everyone?
- Do you feed and provide drink to your enemies?
Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible
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