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We behave differently in different roles. A law enforcement officer, judge, or person on a jury does NOT just "forgive" a civil infraction, the way an individual is called to "turn the other cheek." Again, as I have stated before, this would be idiocy, and would necessitate that no Christian serve in law enforcement. This would also result in civil anarchy if most of the society is Christian. God says clearly that the state bears the sword (use of force) and acts "as an agent of God" in dispensing justice.

Again, this has nothing to do with whether an individual Christian is called to forgive a personal injury due to persecution or simply the evil activities of men. Before this thread, I have never seen someone claim that Christians have a right (much less an obligation) to hold a grudge until a person "repents."

This does NOT state nor imply that a person cannot defend himself, nor appeal to the civil magistrate for protection. Paul availed himself of his rights as a Roman citizen in appealing to Caesar, and rightfully used his legal status to trump the murderous wishes of the "freedmen" in Acts.

My whole objection to the tone of the thread in parts is the criticism of a woman who is displaying an attitude which is ABSOLUTELY impossible without the spirit of God, and is the essence of the character of a Christian. It is as though she says "yes, Paul, I will return good for evil and thus overcome evil with good, even though I have suffered excrusiatingly in doing so" and a bunch of people who have never seen REAL persecution in their lives are jumping in to correct her and tell her she should not be forgiving these men. This is arrogance of the highest order.

Here's our old friend Luke again, quoting Jesus:

Luke 17:3-4 (Words of Jesus in bold, italics mine, L.) Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. 4 And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive."

So don't argue with me, take it up with Jesus.