"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 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. Romans 12:9-21 NKJV
It is called the standard operating procedure for all Christians. It is the Lord's exhortations through the pen of Apostle Paul. It is so radical and revolutionary that it could turn the world upside down by those who are living and operating according to the new standard of living. How could we practice not to revenge our enemies? It is not possible with our effort and will, but Christians can because we believe God who will avenge our adversaries in due time. Why does God forbid us to revenge with our hands? It is because our knowledge is limited whereas He knows all things. What we see is not all but there are much which we cannot see.
The lack of knowledge can cause serious troubles and disasters in humanity. For example, nuclear energy gives a lot of benefits for human life but once it gets wrong it causes disastrous hazards. God knows it is too dangerous for us to go and avenge with the lack of knowledge especially in the invisible realm. But God and only He can revenge in justice and righteousness. So, leaving behind what seemingly unjust and unfair things are, we are commanded to love one another and to overcome evil with good by feeding our enemies when they are hungry and giving them drinks when they are thirsty. It practically means that we live in this world as the salt of the earth and the light of the world in the midst of normal humdrum lives by giving our lives to others.
This is how our Lord Jesus Christ had lived on the earth. He could destroy the corrupt world and create a whole new universe. He could command the army of angles to kill those who opposed Him. But he didn't. Instead, He loved the world that He laid His life unto the enemies. He was reviled but reviled not again (1 Peter 2:23). By means of love, He has overcome the world. He reconciled the sinful world to the Holy God through the faith in Him. No matter how many trespasses humans make, His blood is not without effect. The love of God is the way for redemption, not the revenge of God.
What happens when we live and operate by the new standard of living as our Lord Jesus Christ did? It would be full of excitement, fullness, fulfillment, vigor, positive expectations, unity, adventures, and the sense of communion with God and the Son Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we can bear the fruits of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
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