Topical Bible: Revenge: Christ an Example of Forbearing

◄ Revenge: Christ an Example of Forbearing ►

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Revenge, the act of retaliating or seeking retribution for a wrong suffered, is a common human impulse. However, the teachings and example of Jesus Christ provide a profound counter-narrative to this natural inclination. Throughout the New Testament, Christ exemplifies and teaches the virtue of forbearance, urging His followers to resist the urge for revenge and instead embrace forgiveness and love.

Christ's Teachings on Forbearance

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus directly addresses the issue of revenge. He challenges the prevailing interpretation of the law with His radical teaching: "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:38-39). Here, Christ calls His followers to transcend the cycle of retaliation and to respond to wrongdoing with grace and patience.

Further, Jesus instructs His disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This command not only discourages revenge but also promotes a proactive love that seeks the well-being of others, even those who have caused harm.

Christ's Example of Forbearance

The life of Jesus is a testament to His teachings on forbearance. Throughout His ministry, He faced opposition, betrayal, and ultimately, crucifixion. Yet, He consistently chose the path of forgiveness over revenge. When Peter attempted to defend Him with violence during His arrest, Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52).

The ultimate demonstration of Christ's forbearance is seen in His response to His crucifixion. As He hung on the cross, suffering unjustly, He prayed for His executioners, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). This act of forgiveness in the face of extreme injustice serves as the pinnacle of Christ's teaching on forbearance.

Apostolic Teachings on Forbearance

The apostles, following the example of Christ, also taught against revenge. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, exhorts believers: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:17-19). Paul emphasizes that vengeance belongs to God, and believers are called to live in peace and trust in God's justice.

Similarly, the Apostle Peter encourages believers to follow Christ's example: "When He was reviled, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). Peter highlights the importance of entrusting oneself to God's righteous judgment rather than seeking personal revenge.

Conclusion

The teachings and example of Jesus Christ present a compelling call to forbearance, urging believers to resist the natural impulse for revenge and instead embrace forgiveness, love, and trust in God's ultimate justice. Through His life and words, Christ provides a model for His followers to emulate, demonstrating that true strength lies in the ability to forgive and forbear.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:23
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously:
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Library

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... however, is opposed to revenge, desiring the ... "Forbearing one another, and forgiving
each other, if ... Christ's example enjoins this principle; he has forgiven us. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm

we have not only so high a pattern, but so excellent a motive
... one another, and forgiving one another," according to Christ's example. ... called into
one body in Christ, and therefore ... is so far from desire of revenge, that it ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter ii i .htm

Colossians iii. 7-May
... when he has set before us the example, he has ... For Christ being brought into the midst,
bringeth in all ... two thoughts, the one bidding him to revenge, the other ...
/.../homily viii colossians iii 7-may.htm

Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ...
... he stirs them up to the practice of malice, heat, revenge, and other vices ... applied
to the outward man, by the command and the example of Christ, to signify ...
/.../proposition xiii concerning the communion.htm

Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience.
... Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example, that ye ... we may hold fast the way
of Christ while we ... God's) vengeance, and not hurry to revenge our suffering ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ix on the advantage.htm

Index of Subjects.
... reserve, [234]159; law of, how easy, [235]162; why repeated John's threat,
[236]164; forbearing, even in ... Example, force of, [590]99; of Christ and His saints ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... honor of God, and that by its example influences others ... of and faith in the Gospel
of Christ, "unity of ... ideas and their own honor, or gratifying their revenge. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventeenth sunday after trinity the.htm

Ephesians v. 15, 16, 17
... seek not glory, seek not authority, nor revenge; bear all ... are not my words, but those
of Christ Himself Who ... For example, let there be timber and stone, and let ...
/.../homily xix ephesians v 15.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... out from the Lord consumed with a hasty revenge; doubtless to ... 3155] Let no one perish
by the example of a ... he who is called a confessor of Christ may imitate ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... not only bowed the knee to Christ, but presented ... But God, to revenge the disobedience,
struck the unnatural ... honour from your children, set them a good example. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm