“Live At Peace With Everyone”

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21

As the election draws near, I’ve noticed that there is a lot of talk in the media about taking revenge against political enemies. I’ve also noticed that there is a lot of talk in the media about taking revenge against military enemies. There is even talk in the media about taking revenge against sports enemies.

All of these messages in the media about enemies and revenge are contrary to the Scriptures. There is a consistent message in the Scriptures about loving enemies and leaving revenge to God. From the Old Testament to the Gospels to the Epistles, the message is the same: God’s people are people of love, not revenge.

I have conducted thousands of funerals as a pastor over the years. Thankfully, I have never had to stand before a grieving family and say, “Your loved one lived their life like a Washington politician.” Instead, I have been blessed to say, “Your loved one was a faithful follower of Jesus.”

We are not called by God to live like the celebrities in the media. We are called to live like Jesus.

In Christ,

Pastor David