There is a saying, “Fight fire with fire!”  This originating thought came from Shakespeare’s King John; however, the actual word-for-word quote is derived from early American settlers who lit a controlled fire to stop an uncontrollable fire by shutting down its “flammable food.” Today, many use the term in a militant sense: thus, when “someone attacks you, you attack them back; when someone slanders you, you throw insults back; you see a negative social media post about you, you post right back!”

However, this is NOT what Jesus calls Christians to do.  To explain, scripture is clear:

“When someone strikes your cheek, offer the other one also. When someone wants your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him” (Luke 6:29). 

“You have heard, love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I tell you, love your enemy”. (Matthew 5:43-44). 

Reading the word of God is easier than actually doing what it says to do. Specifically, what do these references actually look like in our world today? Does this mean we are to never fight, protect, or stand up against injustice?  Of course not!  The Old Testament is filled with scripture that supports military action, judgement, and discipline with accountability (see 3 scripture references below).  It is important that Christians do not ignore the teachings of the Old Testament for God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. 

Specifically, when we merge Old Testament and New Testament together, we see how God lovingly applies accountability with showing both grace and mercy.  Therefore, we as believers are to do the same.  To illustrate, a loving parent disciplines his child because he wants to teach, protect, and raise a responsible adult.  Plus, when a crime is committed, if the perpetrator is not held accountable for his actions, he becomes emboldened and will continue down that crooked path or even do worse. Unfortunately, there are misconceptions that reason it is wrong and unloving to establish accountability and seek justice. Without law and order, we would have chaos. Thus, how do we reconcile a loving attitude while appropriately applying consequences for wrong-doings?

To answer, recently, I studied the entire book of Psalms with my prayer partner, Tina. It was quite eye-opening for both of us as we read how many times David asked God to strike down his enemies and in a manner that was not so nice!  (Psalms 35).  As I read more, I kept wondering how was David, “a man after God’s own heart?” David was not being so loving in his pleas to God.  Then, I saw it!  David praised God for everything - over and over again.  Even when David endured consequences (his son with Bethsheba died, 2 Samuel 12:18) for his actions against Uriah and Bethsheba, he still praised God (v20).  David praised God through both good and bad times.  He had confidence in God to make the wrongs in his world, right.

Basically, the Biblical way to “fight fire with fire” is Praise (Psalms 149 & 150)!  Praise God for everything: His support, His justice, His laws, His strength, and His wisdom (just to name a few 😉). When attacked, do your part: be obedient to God’s directions; pray for your response to honor Him; pray for your enemy; and more importantly; PRAISE the LORD! Praise is like throwing water on the enemy’s head.  When we choose to turn the other cheek and not “slap” back with hatred; attack with slanderous words; or use social media for negative posts, we are taking the higher ground. Think of the scene in The Wizard of OZ when Dorothy threw water on the evil witch of the West, and she melted down to a puddle. Therefore, by not nastily responding, you are throwing Holy Spirit, Living Water that is melting the enemy’s power.

Scripture examples:

Military Action: “About 40,000 equipped for war, crossed the battle before the Lord to the desert plains of Jerico (Joshua 4:13).

Judgement: “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord who is with you when you render judgement (2 Chronicles 19:6).

Discipline/Accountability: “Do not despise discipline…for the Lord reproves him whom He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11-12).

Song: "I hope He finds me Praising His name no matter what comes".-Good God Almighty-Crowder.