“Do not Repay Evil for Evil"

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9 ESV)

From the text, we know Peter is writing to those dispersed, meaning Jewish Christians, living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. In today’s text, Peter is writing about something difficult for all of us at some time in our lives: forgiving.

The old adage of “an eye for an eye” is not what Christ taught; He taught just the opposite. We see it in the Sermon on the Mount. Most notably, “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.  But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” (Matthew 5:21-23). Christ also said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42)

Peter reminds his audience that we are to be more than what we are and more like Christ. The destructive power of the evil one is apparent to us every single day. Hatred and anger permeate the very core of our society. Violence takes loved ones away from family, and it damages the lives of the victims. Yet every day we hear stories where victims forgive and pray for those convicted of the worst crimes. It is Christ who allows us and gives us the ability to forgive.

Peter tells us that blessing those who revile us allows us to be blessed. Christ tells us it is grace that keeps us from the fires of hell, a much greater reason to bless others, no matter what they have done to us. It is difficult, yes, but it helps to remember that you were forgiven and spared a certain eternity in hell for your evil. Somehow, we tend to forget that.

Your forgiveness has the power to transform lives, including your own. Holding onto hate and remorse only serves to corrode the soul. By focusing on what was done to you and what you lost, you risk overlooking the greatest gift of all-God's forgiveness.

Some evil will never repent. Those under the control of the evil one will never come to Christ. What I mean to say is they serve Satan. They are his evil minions, the imps and demons. They are pure evil. If you encounter them, trust me, it will shake you to your very core. These cannot be reached. But those living in the world following society blindly can be reached by the grace of Christ. They serve no one but themselves.

Regardless of what has been done to you, what has been taken from you, or what has been said about you or your loved ones, remember the call to forgive. It may be the most difficult thing to do, but forgiveness and prayer can bring about a profound change. As Peter said, 'you will obtain a blessing' as well.

Has the risen Lord forgiven you? Do you know Christ as your Savior? Are you unsure of your salvation and questioning where you are with Christ? Reach out to us here at In Messiah. We can provide you with the scriptures that tell of salvation through the finished work of Christ.

If you do not know Christ and are pulled to Him, ask Him to save you from your sins, repent before the Lord, and find salvation through grace and by faith in the risen Son of God.

Grace and Peace.