Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV
If you spend any time around children, it won’t be long before you hear the words, “Well, he did it first!” The idea of not getting even and giving someone their “just due” really does go against the grain of human nature. Adults may phrase it differently, something like, “Hey, I don’t feel bad, she brought this on herself.” “You sow what you reap, he’s just getting what he deserves.” Or if they are young adults it may sound something like, “That’s just bad karma.” However it’s worded, the idea remains the same, we tend to believe that we’re justified in mistreating someone else, if they have done so to us first. But God calls us to a different standard.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:17 NIV
His standard calls us to careful consideration of right and wrong rather than reactionary morality. Our code of conduct should always be based on absolute truth as defined by God’s Word, not on the ever changing actions of others toward us. Paul encourages us to always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else, regardless of how they have chosen to treat us. Their actions are essentially irrelevant.
For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. 2 Corinthians 8:21 NIV
Paul steps it up a notch in this verse. Not only are we to do what’s right in God’s eyes, that’s always a given, but we should also consider what appears to be right in the eyes of others. There will be times when we know we are justified before God in our actions, but because others don’t have our level of insight, we must be careful not to do anything that will be perceived as wrong. Why? So we do not damage our testimony and lose the opportunity to point others to Christ.
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 bless you for it. 1 Peter 3:8-9 NLT
In order to accomplish what God is asking in these verses, we must possess humility. Our focus can’t be on ourselves, but rather on pleasing God by loving and serving other people. That’s easier said than done! But isn’t this the example Jesus gave us when He entered humanity and went to the cross for our sake? The concepts presented in these verses really do bring to life the idea that we must take up our cross and follow Him.
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27-36 NIV -Jesus
Jesus challenges us to rise to the same standard of conduct that He displayed, a standard of mercy that the Father possesses. So next time someone wrongs you consider these thoughts. Resist the natural tendency to retaliate and instead offer love and kindness. As you do, you’ll be in good company! You’ll be representing the heart of the Father and He will be sure you are rewarded greatly!