revengeshort

In this transcription, Paul Berding discusses revenge and retribution, particularly in relation to statements made by Donald Trump. He explains that seeking revenge is permissible and encouraged in American culture, but not in God's kingdom. According to the Bible, seeking vengeance is not profitable and goes against the principle of seeking the advantage of others. Mr. Trump and his followers may seek revenge for their own benefit, but this contradicts God's command to love your neighbor. Seeking revenge does not build people up or benefit others. People who claim to follow God and seek revenge are hypocrites. Hi, Paul Berding here to talk about revenge and retribution, which have been in the news lately because of statements made by Donald Trump. What Mr. Trump said received scant attention from politicians and religious leaders, because in America, like most cultures, it is permissible, even encouraged, to seek revenge for harms done and real or imagined grievances. This is not the case in God's kingdom where vengeance is permissible, but not profitable. Here's what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10, 23, 24. All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. No one is to seek his own advantage, but rather that of his neighbor. The application of this verse is that when you use the freedom that culture allows you to seek vengeance, your culture will not judge you, but that does not mean that God approves of vengeance. God evaluates everything we do on two criteria. Do we seek our own advantage or do we seek the advantage of our neighbors? Clearly, Mr. Trump seeks revenge and retribution for his own benefit, not for the benefit of others. In Mr. Trump's culture, people encourage Mr. Trump to be their agent of retribution for their grievances. This relationship works for Mr. Trump and his followers, but God will judge them all because they choose to obey cultural permission to seek revenge instead of seeking what benefits their neighbors. Here's what God's spiritual laws say about every situation, including times when revenge might be considered culturally appropriate. Do what builds people up. Do what is beneficial and constructive for others. Do not seek your own advantage. Do whatever you can do to create an advantage for your neighbor. These attitudes and practices fulfill God's command to love your neighbor. Seeking revenge accomplishes none of these goals. Revenge may yield emotional gratification or restoration of authority, but it never creates an advantage for others. Revenge and retribution do not fulfill God's commands to love your neighbor. This means that people who claim obedience to God while seeking or condoning revenge are hypocrites. People who say the Bible is a reliable guide for life, but seek revenge are hypocrites. They rebel against God's laws when they personally seek vengeance or even encourage someone like Mr. Trump to seek vengeance on their behalf. This hypocrisy to say you trust God when you take initiatives to seek revenge for your grievances.