How Sifu Teaches the Player That Revenge Isn't the Answer [Free]
A Bible Study on the video game Sifu
Not sure where to get started? Find our 101 Guide to using our curriculum here.
Opening Prayer
Begin with a prayer that sets the tone for the study, asking for openness and understanding as participants delve into the themes of light, darkness, and the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Sample Prayer:
God, thank You for being our perfect Teacher. As we study Your words and think about this story from Sifu, help us see the difference between revenge and mercy. Open our hearts, calm our anger, and show us how to follow Your way, even when we’ve been hurt. Amen.
Prep Questions
What’s the saltiest you’ve ever gotten at a game? What happened?
Do you usually rage-quit, grind harder, or just laugh it off?
When someone hurts you in real life, what’s your first instinct:
get even,
avoid them,
talk it out,
or something else?
Link to Video
Shortened Transcript
In Sifu, you play the Martial Artist trying to get revenge on the people who killed your father.
If you just kill everyone, you get the “revenge ending” – but it feels empty and doesn’t really fix anything.
The game reveals a better path: your Sifu teaches you Wude (martial morality). You go back through the bosses and spare them instead of killing them.
This is like Jesus in Matthew 18: instead of revenge, He gives us a path of honest confrontation + repeated mercy in the church.
The big idea: Real strength is mercy, offered again and again, not just getting even.
Guided Questions
1. Understanding the Game & the Text
In Sifu, what’s the difference between the revenge route and the mercy route?
In Matthew 18, what steps does Jesus give for when someone sins against you?
How is Jesus’ process different from how people usually handle drama online or in friend groups?
2. Revenge vs. Mercy in Real Life
What does “revenge” usually look like for us today? (E.g. gossip, canceling, subtweets, ignoring someone, etc.)
Have you ever “gotten even” and then realized it still didn’t feel good or fix things? What happened (as much as you’re comfortable sharing)?
Why do you think mercy is so hard, even when we know it’s what Jesus wants?
3. Jesus as Our “Sifu”
The word Sifu means a teacher with a long journey of experience. In what ways is Jesus like that kind of teacher for us?
In Sifu, the Martial Artist follows the Sifu’s teaching so closely that they start to become like the Sifu. What would it look like for you to follow Jesus that closely in how you handle conflict?
Jesus says “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” How does that change the way we think about tough conversations and reconciliation?
Activity
Two Paths List
On a whiteboard or paper, make two columns:
Column 1: Revenge Path
Column 2: Mercy Path
As a group, fill them in:
Revenge Path: What usually happens step-by-step when we choose revenge? (in DMs, group chats, at school, online)
Mercy Path: Rewrite Jesus’ steps from Matthew 18 in your own words (like “DM them first,” “bring a friend,” etc.).
Then ask:
Which path feels more natural?
Which path looks more like Jesus?
What would it take to actually choose the mercy path next time?
After Questions
How did that reflection affect your view of your own past?
What would change if you trusted Jesus to see your future?
Who around you might need that kind of pursuing love?
Spiritual Practice
Invite everyone to quietly think of one person or situation where they’re hurt or annoyed.
Challenge:
Pray once this week specifically about that conflict:
“Jesus, help me see this person the way You see them.”
Do one small act of mercy:
Don’t trash them in a group chat.
Don’t clap back online.
Or, if it’s safe, start a calm, honest conversation.
Closing Prayer
Conclude with a prayer that acknowledges the Holy Spirit's presence and asks for continued guidance and protection in the journey of faith.
Sample Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being our teacher. Thank You for showing us a better way than revenge. When we’re angry or hurt, remind us of Your words in Matthew 18. Give us courage to be honest, to forgive, and to offer mercy again and again. Help our group and our church be a place that practices Your way of mercy. Amen.
Notes From The Nerd Pastor:
Sifu is basically what happens when you let your pain drive the story. The revenge route feels powerful for a minute, but it doesn’t heal anything—it just turns you into the kind of person you were fighting. The mercy route costs more, but it changes you and the people around you.
Jesus in Matthew 18 is doing the same thing. He knows we’re going to hurt each other, even in church, and He refuses to give us a revenge script. Instead, He walks us through honest conversations, community help, and stubborn mercy.
If Sifu shows us anything, it’s this: “winning” isn’t just beating your enemies. It’s becoming the kind of person your Teacher is. For us, that Teacher is Jesus.
Resource Notes:
Find basic information about Sifu on the wiki.
Helpful Nerd Terms:
Sifu – A Cantonese term for “teacher” or “master,” especially in martial arts. In the game, the original Sifu is the protagonist’s father and mentor.
Aging/Death Mechanic – Each time the player dies, the character revives but ages. You get stronger but more fragile, symbolizing the cost of your choices and the toll of constant fighting.
Theological Themes:
Mercy, Revenge, Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Discipline, Community, Conflict, Peacemaking, Transformation, Identity, Sanctification, Grace, Justice, Hope, Imitation (of Christ)
Other questions? Ask in the comments below!