14. Of Revenge

As for revenge, that is, to oppose an enemy with the sword, we believe and confess that the Lord Christ has forbidden and set aside for His disciples and followers all revenge and retaliation, and commanded them to render to no one evil for evil, or cursing for cursing, but to put the sword into the sheath, or, as the prophets foretold, to beat the swords into plowshares. Matthew 5, verses 39 and 44; Romans 12, verse 14; First Peter 3, verse 9; Isaiah 2, verse 4; Micah 4, verse 3; Zechariah 9, verses 8 and 9.

From this we understand that therefore, and following His example, we must not inflict pain, harm or sorrow upon anyone, but seek the highest welfare and salvation of all people, and even, if necessity requires it, flee for the Lord's sake from one city or country into another, and suffer the plundering of our goods; that we must not harm anyone, and, when we are struck, rather turn the other cheek also than take revenge or retaliate. [n59-1] Matthew 5, verse 39.

And, moreover, that we must pray for our enemies, feed and refresh them whenever they are hungry or thirsty, and so convince them by doing good, and overcome all ignorance. Romans 12, verses 19 and 20.

Finally, that we must do good and commend ourselves to every man's conscience; and, according to the law of Christ, do to no one what we would not have done to us. Second Corinthians 4, verse 2; Matthew 7, verse 12.