Instead, I've been thinking about what does a Christian do in times of strife and evil? Essentially, we do what we are always called to do: love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. That second one is hard when a neighbor is on the opposite side of an issue from you. But just because it is hard doesn't mean it isn't the right thing to do.
The Apostle Paul suffered much as he went on his missionary journeys, recounted in Acts and some of his epistles. Sometimes he used his Roman citizenship to call to account those persecuting them. So we can't say that his love for his neighbor meant rolling over and not seeking justice. However, let's hear what he has to say, speaking to ancient Christians (and us) about living as a Christian in ancient, pagan Rome (and now).
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:14-21 (emphasis mine)
To my brothers and sisters in Christ: we cannot overcome evil with evil, sinful means. We overcome evil with good. Paul used his Roman citizenship to pursue justice, but that is different from vengeance - actively seeking to harm someone else for a wrong done to you. I urge you, and myself, to consider how to actively do good, even to those individuals that hate you, to overcome evil.
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