From the Book, Rules For Life: According To Jesus

11. Do Not Return Evil With Evil 

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person!”

Matthew 5:38-39

In section 6, we learned about forgiving others who repent and ask for forgiveness. Here, we look at those who do not repent. This is about someone who hurts you and doesn’t care. Thieves, robbers, murderers, rapists…it’s a long list. And anyone can become a victim at any time. 

So what do we do? We go on living out our lives in peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control…you know, the stuff you’ve seen already in this little study. 

What we do NOT do is take vengeance. Why not? Uh, Jesus commands it. And that’s reason enough for me. Is it easy? Not even a little bit. Is it doable? With much prayer and humility anything can be possible—even this. 

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Romans 12:17-18

Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.  For the Scriptures say,

“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 

1 Peter 3:8-12

There is no justification in doing evil, whatever the motive may be. If someone is evil toward you, that’s on them; if you are evil toward someone else, that’s on you!

While keeping out of trouble with God might motivate you, perhaps this will convict you: Shining the light of God in a dark world will inspire others to seek the light. Here’s what I mean: When people see you acting in an honorable, noble fashion, it makes them see you as one who is really good. They might want to be like you and follow Jesus too.

With all of that put out there, let me just add this: Self-defense is different than going after someone who has done you wrong. If you are being attacked by one or more people seeking to do you harm, you have the God-given right to defend yourself or others. 

Lastly, in our modern society we have the court system. Using it is not a sin, so long as you have a valid case. But in all things, rise above hatred, vengeance, and wrongdoing. God is calling you to more righteous living than that. 

Glorify God and show His mercy where mercy can be shown. It is a command of our Lord and Savior.

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Sections in this study:
Introduction
1: Repent
2: Be Born Again
3: Place God First
4: Love and Serve One Another
5: Live By Faith
6: Forgive Others
7: Remain in Jesus
8: Live Righteously Before Men
9: Avoid Bad Influences
10: Stay On The Narrow Path
11: Do Not Return Evil With Evil
12: Give More Than Is Demanded
13: Love Your Enemies
14: Check Your Motives
15: Pray Simply
16: Do Not Worry
17: Store Up Treasures In Heaven
18: Do Not Be Judgmental
19: Guard what is Sacred
20: Care For Those In Distress
21: Do Not Swear Oaths
22: Watch out for false prophets
23: Exercise Spiritual Power
24: Have Childlike Faith
25: Do Not Exalt Yourself
26: Settle Disputes Quickly
27: Settle Disputes Between Believers
28: Do not Oppose Brethren
29: Remember Me
30: Be Merciful
31: Make Disciples
32: Be Ready
33: Obey Jesus’ Commands
Closing Comments