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I. WHAT EVILS ARE WE NOT TO RECOMPENSE?

1. Not to hate others because they hate us (Matthew 5:44).

2. Not to curse others because they curse us (2 Samuel 16:10; Matthew 5:44).

3. Not to defraud others because they defraud us (Leviticus 19:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:6).

4. Not to speak evil of others because they speak evil of us (Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:9).

5. Not to neglect our duty to them because they do it to us.

(1)  Praying for them (1 Timothy 2:1).

(2)  Pitying their miseries (Romans 12:15).

(3)  Helping them in their necessities (Galatians 6:10).

II. WHY NOT?

1. It is contrary to the rule (Matthew 7:12).

2. Hereby we do ourselves more injury than they did.

3. Yea, and more than we can do them.Conclusion: Consider —

1. None can hinder us without God (Isaiah 45:7).

2. Injuries patiently borne are both occasions of virtue.

3. It is better to bear an injury than to cause one.

4. We must follow the Saviour's example (1 Peter 2:23).

5. It is one of the noblest virtues of a Christian to live above injuries.

(Bp. Beveridge.)

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KJV: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

WEB: Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.