"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.

"Quit Complaining and Be Thankful." ... "Why Dad?"

Why should we not complain but be thankful?

Consider the following:

A) God is sovereign and does/allows what He pleases - all complaints are ultimately against Him

Daniel 4:34-35: "For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, “What have You done?”"

B) God is all powerful - we can't fathom what God is doing or is able to do at any moment

Job 26:14 - "And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?”

C) His ways are not like our ways - what He allows in difficulties and trials He uses to bring us closer to Him and to make us more like Jesus.

Romans 8:28-29: "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son..."

D) The Gospel - God loves us so much that He sent His own precious Son to bear the punishment that our sins deserved so that we may be with Him, the source of true joy and life.

1 John 4:10 - "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [atoning sacrifice] for our sins."

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 8:32 - "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all--how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"

E) Grace alone - we deserve none of His kindness and love but only His wrath

Romans 3:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

In summary, the awesome, sovereign, infinite God of all creation lovingly and graciously holds us in His hand and works to bring about what is truly best for us, His children.

So, if you feel like complaining, realize you don't really know what is going on, but God does. He's awesome and wonderful and you are not. His own Son died for you so of course He'll take care of you. Therefore, simply trust Him and thank Him for what He has done and is doing.

Don't complain! When complaining:

1. you are showing the world that your God isn't treating you well enough for you to be happy and content.

2. you are displaying a lack of trust on your part towards God's providence in your life.

3. you are wasting time that you could be thanking and praising Him.

Question to finalize matters: Does complaining bring glory to God? This is 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."

***Please leave a comment on the post sharing other verses (etc.) that are especially helpful when explaining to your children or to yourself why not to complain but to be thankful***

Why Dad?

"Quit complaining and be thankful!"

"No, you can't watch that."

"Clean your room."

"You should be kind to that kid who is mean to you."

"Don't eat so much junk food."

"You get what you get and you don't throw a fit."

"Don't roll your eyes at me, young lady!"

"Don't talk with food in your mouth."

Many such statements at our home are meet with a rebuttal of "Why Dad?". Which usually calls for a "Because I told you to!"

No more! I don't want it to be "because I told you to" but because "God told you to" and this is why and where He said it.

Therefore, look for upcoming "Why Dad" posts about why our kids should do the things we tell them to. If you have any input on something you tell your kids commonly and why you say it, send fathersofprovidence@gmail.com an email.

Thanks,