Non-Retaliation
Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.


I. WHAT EVILS ARE WE NOT TO RECOMPENSE?

1. Not to hate others because they hate us (Matthew 5:44).

2. Not to curse others because they curse us (2 Samuel 16:10; Matthew 5:44).

3. Not to defraud others because they defraud us (Leviticus 19:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:6).

4. Not to speak evil of others because they speak evil of us (Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:9).

5. Not to neglect our duty to them because they do it to us.

(1)  Praying for them (1 Timothy 2:1).

(2)  Pitying their miseries (Romans 12:15).

(3)  Helping them in their necessities (Galatians 6:10).

II. WHY NOT?

1. It is contrary to the rule (Matthew 7:12).

2. Hereby we do ourselves more injury than they did.

3. Yea, and more than we can do them.Conclusion: Consider —

1. None can hinder us without God (Isaiah 45:7).

2. Injuries patiently borne are both occasions of virtue.

3. It is better to bear an injury than to cause one.

4. We must follow the Saviour's example (1 Peter 2:23).

5. It is one of the noblest virtues of a Christian to live above injuries.

(Bp. Beveridge.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

WEB: Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.




Honourable Dealing
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