What a different world it would be if individuals, organizations and nations followed inspired advice: "Never return evil for evil!" The saddest thing, however, is that more than ever in human history, individuals, organizations and nations are against this wise advice. -
Paying badly for evil is clearly a manifestation of the “wisdom of this world”.The world also has words like "revenge is sweet" and "sweet is revenge, especially for women". A rhyme explains: “Eye for an eye. You kill my dog, I kill your cat.
“In the past, many conflicts, vendettas and duels have been fought with the determination to return evil for evil, especially in Corsica and Sicily, as well as Kentucky and Tennessee.
Poor pay sets the trend for a young child and will continue for a lifetime unless corrected by discipline, and will deteriorate over time. Yes, because of hereditary imperfection and selfishness, the human tendency is to return evil for evil. Is a person treated with contempt? The tendency is to react with contempt. When someone is serious about someone, many tend to react harshly. Push and push? The tendency is to push and push. Small people tend to hurt others and so on.
However, this is all very, very wrong,why? Because it harms both those who receive evil and those who pay for evil. This only makes matters worse, which is evident in the revenge and controversy that has gone on for years. Therefore, divine wisdom prevails: "The answer, if it is gentle, drives out anger, but a word that causes pain brings up anger." Just because someone else makes a mistake isn't a reason, is it? Responding in the same way is actually the product of superficial thought or non-thought, for it also reads: "A man's discernment actually reduces his anger, and that is a beauty to him. to ignore the transgression. " .
The Bible always warns against this tendency to return evil for evil, no doubt because it is deeply rooted in human nature. This is why the Christians of Thessaloniki were warned: "Make sure that no one harms others, but always seek what is good for others and for everyone." Of course, the apostle Paul must have been very sorry to write it down. And in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus recommended, “Do not look to the man who offends you. If someone hits you on the right cheek, turn it over and offer the left. “Incidentally, these words of Jesus have been misinterpreted. Jesus did not preach pacifism here. A blow was an insult, not an act. Violence If a follower of Jesus Christ encounters real violence, he does not return it. like that and ask no more., But if possible, flee, if not, do what he can to protect you - 1 Thessalonians 5:15; New English Bible.
Not only is it advisable to pay for evil with evil, as it will only make a bad situation worse, but it will also hurt. It is possible that the damage we have suffered was unintentional and due to misunderstanding, neglect or slippage. Since either of these things may have caused it, why not give the other the benefit of the doubt, demonstrate self-control, resist the urge for revenge, and proceed as if nothing had happened? Doesn't the Word of God warn us to love our neighbor as ourselves and to treat others as we would like them to treat us? Yes, this is true, and it also tells us that “love ignores evil”
Not only that, but most likely the person who committed the crime against us had no ill will; it may have been her reckless way of doing things without particularly distinguishing us. But if we are paying bad with bad, there is clearly ill will on our part. For this reason, those who pay bad for bad may be morally more guilty and guilty than the former.
And there is an even more serious and powerful reason why we should not return bad for bad. In connection with this command, the apostle Paul continues: “Do not avenge yourself, my beloved, but yield to anger; because it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will pay, says God.From this point of view, it is presumptuous to return evil for evil. it is to take the position of the superior judge, Jehovah, God. Christians must leave judgment and punishment in the hands of God. Then Jesus said, "Stop judging that you cannot be judged."
Certainly, the Word of God gives us good advice when it commands: "Never return evil for evil." Without a doubt, it is the smartest way, as well as the loving and just way.