Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Two wrongs don’t make a right. And in our irritated or angry impatience, we frequently say or do things just as bad or worse as was done to us. Then where are we? Often, our patience does not delay our wrath as God’s does. As hard as it may be, we should not take vengeance. We are urged not to set ourselves against an evil person who is injuring us…whether it be verbally, physically or judicially. Rather, Jesus teaches us to be willing to give the offender something that might defuse the immediate situation; and perhaps even provide some small example that will promote their eternal welfare. Patience is of great value in this respect. This in no way means that we are weak, even though to them we may at first seem so. Nor does it mean that we approve of their conduct. Though we may disagree with their conduct and suffer keenly when it affects us, Christ tells us to bless them. This means that we should show favor upon or give benefits to them. We can do this by wishing the person well, speaking kindly of and to them, and seek to do good to them. Situations like this may be the most difficult tests we will ever face. Patiently deferring retaliation and committing the circumstance to God’s judgment are indispensable to the best possible solution. But the primary point of Jesus’ instruction is not how to resolve these situations, but that we may be children of our Father. By imitating God’s pattern, we will resemble Him and take a giant stride toward being in His image.
Spiritual Steve 