Don’t take revenge [Romans 12:9-21]

1. Love each other

August is a special month for the Japanese people. Because, on the 15th August 1945, some sixty two years ago, World War II came to an end when Japan accepted defeat by agreeing to surrender unconditionally. Since then, restoration of the Nation has progressed under a new Constitution which forbids any international military action. This month must be the time for the Japanese people to pause and consider, war and peace.
Paul wrote: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:18-19).
Today we study what the Bible tells us about war and peace by reading Paul’s letter.
Preaching in various regions of the Roman Empire, Paul, often told how he came to believe in Jesus Christ, and understand how God loved us so much so, that He sent His only Son to us.
So how should we respond to God’s love? Paul tells us, by suggesting other different natures of love, “Agape (God’s love), Eros (Human desire).” But, to practice “Philadelphia”, (Greek) meaning, “Brotherly love”, is to bring us to love each other, and even our enemies.
Even when we are hated and persecuted in this world because of our faith in Jesus Christ, what we should do is this:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse"¡ÊRomans12:14).
Peter said the same, (1 Peter 3:9) “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing”
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."And they divided up his clothes by casting lots (Luke 23:34).

£²¡¥Love your enemies and Pray for them

As today’s invocation verse, we chose Matthew 5:43-44, a part of Jesus’ sermon on the mountain. Jesus cited, Leviticus19:18, as a reference.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.
Normally it’s risky to love enemies. They say that a pacifist attitude is idealistic, but not in reality. It’s true that, “An eye to an eye” is always human theory and that make nations wage wars. Despite that, Jesus tell us to abandon this “Law of retaliation,” and Paul insist on it. (Romans 12:20-21).

£³¡¥Under actual Japanese circumstances

There is a political movement trying to modify the Japanese Constitution in order to justify the rearmament of Japan. When the actual constitution was adopted a majority of the Japanese refused to accept it, because its a pacifist idea, founded on Christianity (Matthew 26:52), something which is not compatible with our non-christian culture.
However, the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Japan declared in 2003, that thanks to this pacifist constitution, Japan has been a peaceful nation for 62 years. And I, as one of the nations Japanese people, want to be proud of this Constitution.
In biblical times, a lot of different ethnic groups coexisted in Palestine, and conflicts and battles were frequent between them. It was only natural that they constructed high walls around their cities, and heavily armed themselves. Nevertheless Jesus taught not to hate enemies, but to love them because, it is the only way to have a real peaceful world.

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