"Don't return evil with evil." ... "Why Dad?"

Why should we not return evil with evil?

If someone punches us in the face, do they not deserve to be punched in the face back. Or if we are insulted, do they not deserve none the less. Maybe...

Romans 12:19 - "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."

Where as revenge is to be left to God, worldly justice is a good thing we should seek out; however, we are called to a much higher and more difficult calling in this world.

1 Peter 3:8-9 "To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead..."

Matthew 5:38-48 - 38“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighborh and hate your enemy.’ 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

So why does God command us to act in this way?

1.In blessing one that has sinned against you, the sinner's pride and conscience will be burnt with shame as if you had poured hot coals on their head (Proverbs 25:22). They will realize more of their sin and this may even lead to their repentance and/or coming to Christ.

2. We have been given undeserved forgiveness through the gospel of grace, the Just dying for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18). Therefore, by blessing/forgiving those who curse us, we point to what Christ has done for us. And if our Master has stooped to do such a thing, should we his disciples not do well to imitate?

3. In doing these things, we look very unlike the world. Who in the world would give up their rights to justice? How many fewer those who would bless one who has wronged them? Although we are in the world, we will be seen distinct and strange, in a good way. Those we hope to influence will inevitably take notice giving us the opportunity "to make ...an account for the hope that is in [us]..." (1 Peter 3:15)

So through our actions, we are used by God to: shame the sinful and bring them to repentance, give a demonstration of what the gospel is, and most importantly point to the One who gives us our hope and who is in-fact our treasure. Our treasure more important than even our rights and comforts in this world.

Question to finalize matters: Does returning evil for evil bring glory to God? Again a "no-brainer".

1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Special thanks to Nathan Highfil (PCCA dad) and his exposition of 1 Peter 3 @ today's UBC Bible Fellowship class.