The best weapon against the evil of our human nature is to develop the mind of Christ within us to displace our carnal nature.

Evil is not spoken of much these days, except perhaps in movie titles and video games. Yet it exists, and Christians should have nothing to do with it.

Scripture speaks of helping an enemy and "heaping burning coals of fire on his head." This seems to imply revenge, yet the Hebrew idiom indicates otherwise.

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.

Our society is becoming increasingly violent. The sixth of the Ten Commandments covers crime, capital punishment, murder, hatred, revenge and war.

A native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.

Jesus, using hyperbole to shock His disciples into a change of behavior or attitude, emphasizing that they should resist the impulse to retaliate.

Repentance doesn't just involve the negative aspect of removing sin and bad actions but turning towards righteousness and willful good actions.

We are obligated to show compassion and mercy to all, refraining from gossip, exercising righteous judgment, forgiving others and applying the Golden Rule.

Many scriptures direct us to show kindness to strangers and even our enemies who persecute us. With God's Spirit, we override the fight or flight response.

It is difficult to find pockets or places of peace on earth today. The world longs for tranquility, freedom from mental anxiety, and cessation from strife.

Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law, which places deterrents on the motive (anger, resentment, envy, revenge), preventing murder from ever taking place.

God appreciates when we show concern for others, developing the maturity to overlook the slights others have made to us. Love sets an example for others.

sacrifice is the central theme of God's plan, not only the foundation of salvation, but also the essential means by which we are transformed into God's image.

Navy Seal training has a humbling 'sugar cookie' exercise in which trainees are arbitrarily forced to endure excruciating discomfort and humiliation.

Paul established his identity and credentials as a Jew in order to build a foundation from which to provide a logical defense of his 'apostasy'.