• 1 Peter 2:20-23
    For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
    "Who committed no sin,
    Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
     
  • Romans 12:17-21
    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.
     
  • Matthew 5:38-41
    "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
     
  • Matthew 5:44-48
    But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
     
  • Colossians 3:12-13
    Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
     
  • 1 Peter 3:9
    not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
     
  • 1 Corinthians 6:7
    Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Retaliation


Resources

'But I Say to You' (Part Six): Retaliation

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Family feuds, marked by retaliation, have caused immense suffering throughout history, claiming countless lives as nations and clans, akin to extended families, clash over power and riches. The Hatfield and McCoy feud, ignited by the theft of a hog in 1863, escalated through retaliatory killings, culminating in the New Year's …


Vengeance is Mine

Sermonette by

Christ counsels us to love our enemies in order that we may be children of God, demonstrating not only His mercy but also our sonship by being peacemakers.


Taking an Insult

Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

In the spirit of a foot washing attitude, we are called to handle offenses and insults with humility and non-retaliation, contrary to the natural impulses of human nature. Jesus Christ, during the Sermon on the Mount, provided clear guidance in Matthew 5:38-41, stating, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a …


Samson and the Christian (Part 4)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the narrative of Judges, Samson's encounters with the Philistines reveal a cycle of retaliation that shapes much of his story. After his father-in-law denied him access to his wife and gave her to another, Samson declared, "This time I shall be blameless regarding the Philistines when I harm them," feeling justified in his …


Go the Extra Mile

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ addresses the concept of retaliation, often referred to as Lex Talionis , or an eye for an eye, challenging the rigid interpretations of the Old Testament guideline. He clarifies that this law was not meant for literal retribution but as a principle of just compensation for damage, …


The Sixth Commandment (Part One) (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

When offended, a human's natural tendency is to strike back, feeling justified in retaliating in kind with an eye-for-an-eye mentality. However, God never granted individuals the right to personal vengeance. He intended the eye-for-an-eye principle for judicial judgments through courts of law, not for personal retaliation. …


Lessons from the Story of Jephthah

Sermonette by Jared M. Ellis

Jephthah's daughter had every right to be angry, but like her father, she chose not to repay evil for evil and instead yielded to the will of God.


Sticks and Stones

'Ready Answer' by Ted E. Bowling

The world does not teach such principles today. Satan's world is not one of forgiveness, longsuffering, or patience but of retaliation and revenge. Today's motto is: Don't get mad, get even; Even the score; Hit back; and Give back as good as you get. So many of today's movies, television shows, and popular songs are based on …



For more resources, please see the library topic for Retaliation