Revenge and retaliation

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Scripture teaches that it is wrong to strike back or to return evil for evil, whether by immediate retaliation or by taking revenge later. Justice must be done, but this must be left in the hands of God, or of the authorities ordained by God.

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OT teaching about revenge

Revenge forbidden in the OT

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The “lex talionis” (law of exacting like for like)

This was not a rule for personal revenge but to ensure that judicial punishments were neither unjust nor malicious.
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Personal revenge forbidden in the NT

By Jesus Christ

Matthew 5:38–45 AV 1873
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
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By the apostles

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The evil effects of revenge illustrated in the life of Samson

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Alternatives to revenge

Avoiding the problem

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Evading the attack

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Accepting the injury

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Using the law

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Forgiving and setting an example

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Ashes on the head were a sign of repentance. Doing good to one’s attackers may lead them to a change of heart:

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God will avenge his people

Luke 18:7–8 AV 1873
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
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