In the face of mistreatment, believers are called to respond with love and kindness, rather than seeking revenge or retaliation. Jesus teaches in Matthew that we should love and pray for those who persecute us, demonstrating a radical commitment to non-retaliation. The apostle Paul expands on this theme in Romans, urging Christians to bless those who curse them and to overcome evil with good. As followers of Christ, we are also reminded in Ephesians that our struggle is not against human opponents, but against spiritual forces of darkness, and in John, to love one another as He has loved us.
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But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.
All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”