Our Response to Evil

Exodus 20:13

You shall not murder.

God is all-knowing. God has all understanding and all wisdom. Yet we sometimes decide that we’re smart enough to pay someone else back for hurting us. We think we can make things right by removing people who make us unhappy. Removing them permanently, that is.

Why do we think, “I could kill him”?

God tells us he will repay, and we can be sure that he will judge his people. We are not to judge each other. We are not to take vengeance. That’s God’s job.

When we focus on doing our own job and let God do his, we will have more peace. Our task is easy. We love because God first loved us. Everything else is in God’s hands.

As we read in Romans 12:17-21, our responsibility is to live in peace. 

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 peaceably 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 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.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We can get creative with our response to the evil of others. Some people just pray for those who continually get on their nerves. Others find a way to bless them with an opportunity or a product they need. Surprising your enemy with good deeds works amazingly well.