Nov 23 2008, 10:05 am - By Matthew_14

What kind of advice do you people offer for this? It was about Febuaray of 2007, but anyways, I has just come home from school in a taxi and a guy threw an apple at the back of me, probaly not a full one but I didn't look. I did not react, i was feeling brand new and spiritual at the time and what would be wrong with exercising forgiveness? anyways, my dad didn't like that, he told me off for not doing anything back.

Also, in June of 2007, some people said something bad and mean to me, but I ignored them and just got into my taxi home. The driver reported it to my dad, and once again he was annoyed that I didn't react. It's important not to do eye for an eye though and to show forgiveness. My question is: in the future, what can I do about it, i know i'm in the right letting people hurt me without hurting me back, but since my dad is an athiest and stuff, he thinks i shouldn't let them get away with it. any words of advice?

Nov 23 2008, 9:03 pm - Replied by: WordNerd

I don't think it's wrong to be calm and unruffled when others try to get you angry.. and I think forgiving someone for their foolishness is the right thing to do.

As for what your dad says: maybe the Bible does say "eye for an eye" but it also says to forgive others when they wrong you, and that God will have vengeance. We don't need to retaliate.

Nov 25 2008, 3:38 am - Replied by: Matthew_14

yea thats what i mean, i wanted to be forgiving and was.. but my Dad would rather I reacted... however, we all know Jesus took the hurt without giving any back. What can I do about people who want me to react when i know its not right?

Nov 25 2008, 11:15 am - Replied by: annSSG

We are to pray for those who despitefully use us and our enemies. Pray for them I have learned that revenge is gods teritory. and he can much more effectively punnish those who deserve it than i can. My grandmother never spoke a bad word of anyone even a neighbour who caused her a lot of trouble  undeserved. I suspect that she had a very strong prayer life.

Nov 26 2008, 9:07 am - Replied by: Ryyuzaki

Well,it depends on their conduct toward you. If they're looking to physically harm you,then you do have a right to fight back and defend yourself,in my opinon. However,if they're just acting like an idiot toward you,then its best not to do anything,more than likley they are trying to ilicit a response from you anyway,so best not to play their game.If the situation escalates and you feel physically threatned at any time,then more measures might need to be taken in my opinon and you would be justified in defending yourself.