Pray
For Those Who Persecute You
If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone
of a crime, the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence
of the LORD before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time.
The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be
a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite, then do to the false
witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the
evil from among you. The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid,
and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. Show no pity: life
for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Deuteronomy 19:16-21
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth
for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you
on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to
sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you
to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do
not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and
hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, that you may be children 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.
Matthew 5:38-45
While there is a place, as a Christian, for self-defense,
personal revenge is not acceptable.
The Old Testament exacted like for like. Judicial
punishment was not unjust or malicious. There was a larger principle looming
when it came to personal revenge: Justice must be done, but it must be left in
the hands of God or the authorities ordained by God.
Instead of returning injury and insult, may we live by
Christ-honoring and Spirit-empowered alternatives: Live at peace with everyone,
submit to a spiritual mediator, and leave it in the hands of authorities and,
most of all, in God’s hands.
Leave final justice in the hands of a just God.
Our Daily Bread –