Bible Explorer for the Young (2 Kings)Sample

Don’t Repay Evil for Evil

1 Peter 3:9a

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.

The king of Aram was enraged with Elisha so he sent his soldiers to capture him. When the Aramean army surrounded the city where Elisha was living, God sent horses and chariots of fire to protect Elisha and the people of Israel. God struck the Arameans with blindness and Elisha tricked them into following him to the city of Samaria, which was Israel's territory. 

When God opened their eyes again, the Arameans found themselves inside Samaria, captured by the King of Israel. Instead of killing the soldiers, Elisha told the king of Israel to prepare a great feast for them. When they had finished eating and drinking, Elisha let them go back to their master. 

Elisha was teaching the people to not always repay evil with evil. The purpose was to show the Arameans about God’s mercy. By doing this, Elisha brought peace to both Israel and Aram.

This isn’t an easy thing to do, especially when you have the opportunity to take revenge. But let the love of God do His way in your heart. God protects you from the enemy and He will give you power to show kindness to the enemy as well. 

Prayer

Dear God, draw me close to You so that I always have the grace in my heart to never repay evil with evil but turn from evil to do good. Amen.