Romans 12:17-21
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
God will punish in just judgment at the end. We are no one’s judge, but God’s messengers to bring good new in words of life. So we must reward evil with good, not vengeance, praying God will have mercy on others that they may feel what little good we repay and consider His judgement and available forgiveness. We lay on them the heat of God’s word that tells what is to come, hoping for repentance to life. Furthermore, we should not just retaliate with love, but actively seek to meet the needs of our enemies with undeserved love. This is how to be victorious over evil - by doing our part of good to keep peace (even when the other does not do good in kind) and warning of God as the only judge and His coming wrath on sin.
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