See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

Evil For Evil

Retaliation and retribution are two characteristics that should not be part of the Christian’s life. God has always wanted His people to stand above the world in their conduct and attitude toward others – including enemies and evil persons. It is easy to be good to those who show love for others. Everyone wants to show kindness to those who show kindness to them. When an evil person treats others with contempt, the reaction is often to return kind with kind. If someone does something wrong against a neighbor, the offended one will return the evil with evil. Road rage has become a social phenomenon that often ends in someone killing another.

Jesus warned against the spirit of vengeance. He taught in the mountain sermon how His disciples must learn to walk the second mile and never seek retaliation against others. The early church taught the disciples not to render evil for evil to anyone. There were challenges in the First Century church with the blending of Jew and Gentile. Paul repeatedly emphasized that there was no difference between Jew and Gentile and that all were one in Christ Jesus. This removes the stigma of revenge against others. A Christian will not do anything against another that is evil because to do so is sinful and condemned by God. The world teaches the philosophy of “getting even.” This is never found in the heart of the child of God.

Jesus Christ wants His people to seek all things that are good. Following things that are good is how the Christian frames his life. In a world filled with hatred, the Christian aims to bring the light of goodness into a dark world. Revenge is never the tool of the child of God. Getting back at others should never be known among the people of God. Even when the world treats the Christian badly, there is no recourse to return the favor. Jesus is the eternal example of never rendering evil against others. He always pursued what was good for Himself, others, and, first of all, His Father. Jesus forgave those who killed Him. He never reviled when they reviled Him. There was never a curse that came from his lips as those standing before Him cursed Him. Jesus wants His people to seek all things that are good because He gave that example in His life.