Shelbyville Seventh-day Adventist Church

How does God expect us to treat our enemies? It's in the Bible, Luke 6:27-28, NKJV. “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."

If somone seeks to injure us - we should not seek to exact revenge or resist. It's in the Bible, Matthew 5:38-40, NKJV. "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.

Anyone can treat their friends well, it's how you treat your enemies that makes a difference. It's in the Bible, Luke 6: 32-33, NKJV. "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."

Serve and love without expecting gain or return, for it is how our Heavenly Father treats us. It's in the Bible, Luke 6:35-36, NKJV. "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."

An enemy should be treated honorably. It's in the Bible, Matthew 5:25, TLB. "Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and he drags you into court and you are thrown into a debtor's cell."

Don't be happy when your enemy has problems. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 24:17-18, TLB. "Do not rejoice when your enemy meets trouble. Let there be no gladness when he falls—For the Lord may be displeased with you and stop punishing him!"

What does "heaping coals of fire" mean? It's in the Bible, Romans 12:20, TLB. "Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be 'heaping coals of fire on his head.' In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you."

God promises protection from my enemies. It's in the Bible, Psalm 18:48, TLB. "He rescues me from my enemies; He holds me safely out of their reach and saves me from these powerful opponents."

Don't seek revenge for yourself. Honor God, excercise your faith, and trust God to bring justice. It's in the Bible, Romans 12:17,19, ESV. "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

What did Christ say to those crucifying Him on the cross? It's in the Bible, Luke 23:33-34, NKJV. "And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.'

We don't conquer evil by adding more evil, but by doing what is good and right. It's in the Bible, Romans 12:21, NKJV. "Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."