"He wronged me first!"

Daily I hear the rationalization that retaliation was dealt because the other brother wronged first. Thankfully, I report that that is not God's standard. Over and over the principle of repaying evil with good is taught in God's word. I am excited to share these passages with the boys. But, before I get too excited; this applies to me as well. In our society, the given and expected is to demand our rights and right any wrongs dealt to us. We are to treat others with kindness, love and respect; whether it is deserved or not. The verse that immediately comes to mind is "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9) Others will make that observation because it is such a supernatural thing to be a peacemaker!

Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Matthew 5:44 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;

Luke 6:27-29 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also.


Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.


Romans 12:17-19 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.


I Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].