What Would Jesus Not Do! Part #9

Jesus Would Not Repay Evil For Evil Rom. 12:17

By Warren E. Berkley

What is your first impulse when someone hurts or offends you? It may be, our first impulse is to hurt them back. The word is revenge, the attitude is self-serving and unproductive, and - it is something Jesus would not do.

Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame," (Heb. 12:2). The spirit and endurance He displayed in His suffering is our example. "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 'Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth;' who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls," (1 Pet. 2:21-25).

Here was a man who "committed no sin" and there was never any evidence of deceit in Him. He never spoke any evil word, told a lie or hurled an insult at anyone. He was the victim of a host of evil words. Lies were told to Him and about Him, and He endured some of the ugliest insults ever spoken. These things He suffered put the pressure on Him to use the same tactics and methods back toward His enemies, but Jesus never did return evil for evil. "As abuse was being heaped on him, he did not respond by railing at or heaping abuse in return. Men find it difficult upon being abused not to lash out at the abuser. If one follows Christ, there is no abusive return for the persecutor's abuse," (p.#114, Truth Commentaries: 1 Peter, Clinton Hamilton).

An apostle of Christ wrote about this at length: "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceable with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. 'Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head'. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Rom. 12:17-21).

Are you a follower of Christ in this respect? It requires character, self-control and sobriety of mind and heart to restrain yourself as He did. Especially when your character and reputation is called into question; when persecutors accuse you without evidence, and when people who reject what you stand for try to damage you. When those occasions arise, we need to remember Him who "committed no sin" and determine to imitate Him in our attitudes, reactions and responses.

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