Why does the Bible tell us to love our enemies and not repay evil with evil?

[Anonymous]

I strongly disagree with the teaching. People must get what they deserve. When a person does good to me, I’ll do good back to that person in return. If they do bad to me, I do bad to that person in return. A person must reap what they sow. Good things are to happen to good people and evil things are to happen to evil people. Also, I hate pacifism because it’s useless. If I need to defend myself, I’m going to do it; I do what’s right for me and God.

[rigmarole]

The Bible doesn't teach passivity. It tells you to be kind to those that hate you. That is if they call you names and shit like that you can roll through it because you have thick skin. But just as quickly it tell you that you have a right to defend yourself and that you should make preparations to do so when the time comes. If someone brings violence against you, then you can kill them in response and you are not guilty. You're not suppose to be the one throwing the first stone, but if you are getting stoned fuck shit up.

[rigmarole]

It's basically the proportionality principle. Don't over react... Deal with aggression with wisdom.

[handsomelad70]

We black folk have tried it for 405 years and what's it gotten us?

[NamerOfStars]

... You do what's right for the God who explicitly tells you to do otherwise?

You DO know that the vast majority of the people who treat you poorly have no ill intentions, right? Treating them badly is having them reap what someone ELSE sowed. If you're not willing to be better than anyone else, then the world is only going to be as good as the worst person.

Nature is red in tooth and claw; hard and bitter. If the world is ever going to get better, it'll be because of what WE do. The Bible just tells us how.

[jennifer_bloom]

I think love as described by Jesus is loving actions and behaviours, not joyful emotions when you’re being slapped and mistreated. I am good to my enemies cause I am supposed to be good but I do not like them or enjoy them. God always signals to me through signs or dreams or gut feelings that I should not retaliate against my adversary but let God fight them on my behalf.

[collie22]

Love your enemies doesn't mean not to stand up for your self we are Christian. Our enemies need though love sometimes. Self defence is righteous and moral. Jesus teaches We are to discern what's right and wrong , good and evil. And do things the right way. Jesus also teaches us to follow the law.

[DJB72]

If you read the whole context you'd find it's because the act of judgement is reserved for God, not us.

Deuteronomy 32:35 says vengeance and recompense are God's. Meaning let Him set the time. Paul repeats this in Romans, explaining that blessing the one who has wronged you is like burning coals on their head and that God will avenge in His time.

God is primarily a God of Justice, so He will take the payment required for harming His children. If you try to be the instrument yourself you risk not seeing the real satisfaction of God's vengeance.

[ChicoFromThe305]

Because that's not our jobs to do, he also says vengance belongs to him, god will avenge you, natural justice is the best but for our hearts and soul, a vengeful heart is destructive and continues a cycle of destruction, if you avenge yourself then that person will avenge themselves for your vengeance and it continues, natural justice hits you and there's nothing you can do but eat it.

[LiamJHayden]

It has to being rewarded by God. If you are good only to those who are that way to you, so what? That is normal. Being good to those who dislike you is uncommon and worthy of commendation.

"Good things are to happen to good people."

No one is truly good all of the time in actions and thoughts. Again, if the reference point is the Bible no human, except Jesus, qualifies.

[Lara_Croft]

Must you always get what you deserve even if there's a chance that you can be pardoned , receive mercy and grace?

[FunkyMonkee]

Because, if they taught that, you could fight back any time the nuns and priests did anything nasty to you! As long as they know you'll forgive them, they can get away with anything!

[Berethor]

The old testament says eye for an eye, you can always convert to judaism.

[Anonymous]

I guess to show compassion to others since you’re just as bad as them by being evil like them so you’re not stooping to their level and spreading evil further, of course it doesn’t really work in the real world and was written 2,000 years ago

[jahaims]

Because it is easier to control a population that believes this.

[MaxUsefull]

When you sin, you are God's enemy, and He always forgives you, why wouldn't you do the same?

[Anonymous]

Because retribution doesn’t work.

[BoopBoopBeep]

Romans 13:4