GOOD IS THE PROPER REPAYMENT OF EVIL

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. Repaying Evil

a) A most common attitude is "payback". The way to deal with your enemies (real or perceived) is to bash, abuse, sue, and slander them, to avenge the evil they have done to you. This is not the Christian way.

b) The Christian has three things to remember, and live by, with regard to enemies, and we find these in Romans 12:17-21.

Romans 12:17-21
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

c) Here is one of the principles.

2. Good Is The Proper Repayment Of Evil (Romans 12:20-21)

i) To "overcome evil" is our aim, not to avenge evil.

ii) Only good can overcome evil. Evil cannot overcome itself.

iii) You can fight fire with fire, but not evil with evil.

iv) Don’t say, "Let us do evil that good may come"? (Romans 3:8).

v) Don't confuse vengeance with discipline which may involve punishment for correction. Proper discipline is good. (Hebrews 12:11).

vi) The Old law said,"Eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Exodus 21:24).

vii) How Jesus changed this (Matthew 5:38-42).

viii) Jesus says,"Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:43-48).

ix) Story of David and Saul (1Samuel 24).

The End ...