Honourable

 Romans 12:17 ESV

 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. 


Our gut reaction when someone does evil to us is to do evil back- with interest! If someone pushes us, our reflex may be to knock them over. The Apostle Paul commands us not to do such a thing.

Doesn't Paul contradict the prophet Moses who famously said 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'? No, because the context was different. Moses was saying the punishment must fit the crime; Paul was saying not to go all vigilante.

Moses instituted God's law, which decrees death for murderers for example in an exacting penalty system. The Apostle Paul and the early church were under the jurisdiction of the secular Roman Empire. As such, they were to defer to that authority.

Paul gives a positive alternative to vengeance. He calls for us to be honourable. The Lord Jesus Christ could have taken revenge on those who wronged him, but he honourably endured the shame of the cross and is exalted forevermore.

'Heavenly Father, help us to endure the apparent weakness and shame of 'turning the other cheek', and enjoy the honour of an eternity with our Lord and Saviour, in whose name we ask, amen'.

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