Enemies, revenge, vengeance-15

How are we to live among enemies of Jehovah? As we have been studying so far, this is not a simple question to answer. The very use of the word enemy seems to cover a wide range of actions, attitudes, and circumstances. Also, Jehovah has given us much in His Scriptures to help us both understand this as well as live accordingly.

Romans 12:9  Let love be without hypocrisy.

Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 

12:10  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love;

give preference to one another in honor; 

12:11  not lagging behind in diligence,

fervent in spirit,

serving the Lord; 

2:12  rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation,

devoted to prayer, 

12:13  contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 

The Bible is full of verses on how we should live. There is no one all inclusive list. But, we can learn from each of them and should mediate on all of them. Certainly humbleness permeates this and other such lists. Treating others, especially others of faith, is another important character trait of what it means to be a ‘Christian’.

Rom 12:14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 

Our response is exactly opposite of the what the world teaches us. We can’t have anyone taking advantage of us or bullying us! We must respond in kind or in a manner that stops those from ever doing that to us again.

Rom 12:15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 

Rom 12:16  Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 

Empathy and true sympathy are lacking in today’s me culture. We don’t always care as we should about the problems of others, even others we know. We need to treat them in the same manner we would like them to treat us when or if the circumstances were reversed. This is not welfare, but charity. There is a difference.

12:17  Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 2:18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 

Revenge, paying back, retribution, et all are what the movies all promote and example. We take justice into our own hands or minds. Satan would have us react just like him, but Jesus wants us to react just like HIM. Practice living in peace does not mean accepting lies and not standing on the truth.

Rom 12:19  Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. 

This admonish of Jehovah is repeated throughout Scripture. We should never take revenge or vengeance into our own hands.This doesn’t include self defense. This is when we make ourselves judge and jury.

Rom 12:20  "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." 

Clearly this type of enemy isn’t trying to kill us or our family. He is our mission field and may be an unsaved neighbor who ridicules our life style and faith. There will come a time when he needs a meal or help with something you can do. Helping him when he has never done anything to help you, may convict him and make him reconsider his own life in a new way.

Rom 12:21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Responding with evil only makes evil more prevalent. We don’t fight the schemes of Satan with his own schemes and evil desires. Our King will help us, but we must submit to His plans, His will, and His commandments.

More next Saturday.