A most common attitude is "payback". The way to deal with your enemies (real or perceived) is to bash, abuse, sue, and slander them, to avenge the evil they have done to you.
This is not the Christian way. The Christian has three things to remember, and live by, with regard to enemies, and we find these in Rom 12:17-21.
1. As far as possible we should live in peace (verse 18)
2. Vengeance belongs to God -- Leave room (verse19)
3. Good is the Proper Repayment of Evil (verses 20-21)
Sermon or Study Outline
Let’s think about these principles one at a time...
1. As far as possible we should live in peace (verse 18)
"Seek peace and persue it"(1Pe 3:8-18).
Note example of Jesus "When reviled, he did not revile in return"(1Pe 2:21-24).
Jesus had mighty strength at his command (Mtt 26:53).
He chose instead the path of non-violence "as a lamb that is led to the slaughter"(Isa 53:7).
2. Vengeance belongs to God -- Leave room (verse19)
"Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord"(Deu 32:35,41).
"The Lord is the avenger of all"(1Th 4:6).
"Why not rather be wronged?"(1Co 6:7).
3. Good is the Proper Repayment of Evil (verses 20-21)
To "overcome evil" is our aim, not to avenge evil.
Only good can overcome evil. Evil cannot overcome itself.
You can fight fire with fire, but not evil with evil.
Don’t say, "Let us do evil that good may come"? (Rom 3:8).
Incidental point: Don't confuse vengeance with discipline which may involve punishment for correction. Proper discipline is good. (Heb 12:11).
The Old law said,"Eye for eye, tooth for tooth"(Exo 21:24).