In 2014, a terrorist group abducted 276 young Nigerian girls from their school. Within hours, the news filled the airwaves, and the call for swift action hit a fever pitch.
It’s right to pray for and demand justice and to move with resolve and force to rescue the innocents. It’s often difficult, however, to know exactly what posture to take toward the evildoers. Justice is an expression of the kingdom of God and those who commit evil should be punished by governing authorities, but vengeful retaliation is never appropriate.
The apostle Peter wrote to a Christian community beleaguered by persecution. Religious powers and political authorities had abused and isolated the people. Further, these communities were experiencing internal misunderstandings and divisions. While severe violence usually comes from those outside our circles, those who are near often inflict the deepest pain and wrong.
To all of us who have ever been wronged or maligned, Peter offers sobering words: “Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil” (1 Peter 3:8-9). Whatever those in authority must do to protect others, the posture of the Christian must never be violence as payback. We don’t harm; we bless (Matthew 5:44).
While our human impulse will often be to give someone what they “deserve” or to exact payment by stinging them with words, rejection, or some other retaliatory act, God instructs us to bring love and peace (1 Peter 3:8,11). This love isn’t weak or sentimental. It doesn’t wink at evil. Instead, it flows from a cross where God’s love has proven itself to be the most powerful force in the world.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 14:1-23
More:
Read 1 Peter 3:13-18 and consider the instructions Peter gives regarding suffering for doing good.
Next:
What person in your life do you think most deserves your retaliation? What would it look like for you to choose to bless that person?
Gary Shultz on March 25, 2015 at 8:06 am
This is one of these dig deeper issues. At least for a lot of guys we have been saturated by the vigilante, self righteous pay back. The world sees this every day and is a part of our cultural fiber. It is purely super natural to see love being extended to those who have struck against us. Gee, that’s probably what God has been trying to help us with, it is more than natural to move beyond the internal churn we feel and to extend the love of Christ. God help us. Thanks
Winn Collier on March 25, 2015 at 10:04 am
‘God help us’ is exactly right, I think. We’re a get-your-own/payback culture in so many ways.
Tom Felten on March 25, 2015 at 9:49 am
Winn, it’s painful to see the innocents—including our fellow believers in Jesus—face persecution and death in different parts of the world. May God continue to be revealed through the loving acts of shalom and justice that His people share by His power. The beauty of a life lived for Him truly stands out amidst the ugliness of evil in the world.
Winn Collier on March 25, 2015 at 10:05 am
Yes, it’s sorrowful to realize the many more deaths – and the Christian martyrs as well – that have added up since I wrote this.
Mike Wittmer on March 25, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Good word, Winn. I think Rom. 12:19 is helpful: Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
godlove on March 26, 2015 at 7:24 am
Very powerful topic, and very good points made. From our human perspective it can seem so difficult not to feel like returning evil for any evil received, and it seems even impossible to bless or pray for anyone who does anything negative against us. But, with GOD, like Jesus reassures us, everything is possible. And this is the best and unique way for us Christians to stand out in this world, by preaching and showing forgiveness and reconciliation, even for the most terrible injury suffered.
Winn Collier on April 4, 2015 at 8:50 pm
yeah, this doesn’t make sense at all from our perspective.