A Spiritual Response To Others

Romans 12:16-21

The Spanish Inquisition, and the Thirty Years War were attempts to destroy people who did not accept a particular religious view. In Reality, they were no different than the present day Muslim Jihad. They have been common throughout history, in every country of the world. The same attitude has been used to justify anti-Semitism, racism, and slavery.

The Quakers, took the approach that any resistance was wrong. They believed that it was wrong to engage in any sort of violence, even to protect oneself. They taught that no matter what a person did, it had to be forgiven, and ignored. The Amish community where the School shooting took place demonstrated a similar belief. As a result, many Quaker settlements became safe havens for criminals.

Like other extreme positions, neither is either Scriptural or right. The first violates many moral and scriptural teachings, including the present passages. Positions like that of the Quakers is less obviously a violation of scripture, until we examine passages like Ecclesiastes 8:11. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” By ignoring wrong doing, we place our approval on it and thus encourage it. These next few verses present a balanced view of how we should deal with life’s issues. We start with the attitude between people.

“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” (Romans 12:16)

There is to be mutual respect. The lowly esteemed is to be treated just like the most esteemed, whether Christian or non Christian. The Declaration of Independence’s statement that all men are created equal is based on scripture. As James 2:19 tells us, “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” Neither race, gender, wealth nor education make one person better or more important than another. If we are living controlled by the spirit, we will have the mind of Christ, and as Romans 2:11 tells us, “For there is no respect of persons with God.”

We are neither to view ourselves as superior to others, nor as inferior to others. We are to give the same respect to the rich as to the poor, the weak as the powerful. James 3:17 describes some characteristics of the Spiritual mind. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” The old saying that “two wrongs don’t make a right” is true. When our mind is directed by the Holy Spirit, there will be no compulsion to do wrong, or to deceive.

“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.” (Romans 12:17-18)

There are things which cannot or should not be overlooked. As much as possible, we are to live at peace, but some people continue to take advantage, and must be stopped. It is wrong to encourage sin, but we must not become vindictive.

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

Turning the other cheek means giving a second chance, not just letting the other do as they please. While it is entirely within our purview to stop wrong doing when necessary, getting even is not our job. It is different to defend oneself or ask for a restraining order than to go beat him up at his home, or sue to take away everything he owns. God will take care of the getting even part. We are to trust him to do what is needed. Revenge shows a lack of faith.

“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.” (Romans 12:20-21)

We are not to hold grudges. That he has done wrong in the past ought not prevent our doing right. We should still treat the man who did wrong just like anyone else. In doing so, we set an example before him. That does not mean he will always feel guilty about his actions, although some will. It does mean that they cannot use the us as an excuse for their sin. They will bear the full responsibility. We don’t “kill them with kindness,” we just remove their excuses.