⁹ Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

¹⁷ Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

¹⁵ See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

¹⁹ Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

²⁰ Instead,

²¹ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Love for Enemies

²⁷ “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. ²⁸ Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. ²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.

⁴⁴ But I say, love your enemies!^[a] Pray for those who persecute you!

³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

³⁹ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.