1 Thessalonians 5:15 (KJV)
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Apostle Paul teaches that the Christian response to being wronged is to follow what is good. He wants us to guard our hearts against ungodly retaliation. Evil for evil, also known as tit for tat, is a response to an act of harm or perceived injustice. To retaliate or pay back evil for evil is to do something harmful or destructive to get revenge for some pain, fight back, or respond in kind to an injury, offense, or injustice. Romans 12:17 says, “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” Rather than responding to the evil done against us, we are to reply with the complete love of Christ that overcomes evil with good. Our enemies should come to know the same mercy and grace that we found at the cross by showing them love. Jesus said in Luke 6:28, “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
In the world, people seek revenge, but the children of God do the opposite. When people do evil things to us, we need not respond in the same way back to them but only with blessings. Our reasoning may tell us to repay evil in return for the wrong done to us, but the Scriptures demand that we act differently. We are the ambassadors of Christ and His peacemakers and must do everything to prove that. 1 Peter 3:9 says, “not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” When wronged, we can comfortably feel tempted to retaliate, defend ourselves, and seek revenge. But we are encouraged not to repay evil for evil but rather to be a blessing. God is against His children repaying evil to those who have done them evil. It is not in the place of any genuine child of God to repay evil for evil, for God, in His own way, knows how to pay those who caused us pain. The joy and celebration of the righteous are understandably great whenever God puts an end to the wicked activities of the ungodly.
Beloved, God is your hope, salvation, and peace. Even in times of deep sorrow and despair, don’t yield to the temptation of rendering evil for evil. Live in the reassurance that you are blessed beyond measure. You have a rich inheritance of many blessings yet to come. Bless, instead of repaying evil for evil, for it is more suitable for you who expect to be blessed by God. Learn to forgive and love one another constantly. Do to others as you would want others to do to you. Show love because the more love you show to the person hurting you, the more trouble you are causing them if they don’t change for good. There is also a reward when you manifest love to your enemies. Live above reproach and let the light of Jesus shine brightly through you. Conduct yourself in a way that will put to rest any question about whether or not you’re a Christian. Let the people around you see your love, faith, and purity in every situation. Live a life that puts God’s glory on display. Give more thought to your actions, knowing that a lost world is watching by doing honorable things that are an attractive example. Your greatest desire for your good works and kindness is to glorify God and see other sinners receive His grace in repentance.
O Lord, I receive the grace to show love to my enemies and not render evil for evil in Jesus’ Name.