Theme: AVENGE NOT YOURSELVES
Text: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” – 1 Peter 2:21-23.
Comment: Jesus Christ our Master himself stated: “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you”. – John 13:15. Compare Matthew 10:25.
He advocated love and forgiveness and not bitterness and vengeance. When Apostle Peter asked him: “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times”? Jesus replied him saying: “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven”. He then went on to tell his apostles of the parable of the wicked servant: whose master forgave his debt, because he could not pay, but would not show to his fellow servant who was indebted to him, the same kindness, but locked him up in prison, till he should pay back what he owed. His fellow servants who saw what transpired then reported to their master, who in his wroth, delivered the wicked servant to the tormentors, to be tormented until he should pay his debt. Christ then concluded by saying, “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses”. – Matthew 18:21-35.
While on the torture stake, before his death, he prayed to his heavenly father, thus: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”. – Luke 23:34.
Every true disciple of Jesus Christ must therefore learn to endure, forgive and commit all things to God.