Paul ends our text with the recommendation to overcome evil with good. Romans 12: 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. [1] Paul has given us a way to react to those who do evil to us. It is a very counter-cultural, unexpected way to respond. As we believe in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, which helps us counter evil.
Don’t be Part of an Evil Economy
If someone wrongs us, our natural inclination is to return the act. Vengeance is repaying evil for evil with interest and acts in the same spirit as the evil of the offender. Human vengeance takes us down to the devil’s playground, and we become indistinguishable from the original offenders. We can’t hate what is wrong (v9) if we are actively participating in it.
Trust God’s Justice
Our human desire for revenge is mixed with hatred and wounded pride, leading to grudges and feuds. We must trust that God knows how to deal with the situation best. Romans 12: 9 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.” [2]
Here, Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:35. This is Moses’ last address to the nation of Israel before they enter the Promised Land. Moses reassured the people that God was watching and would deal justly with their situations. We can be assured that God sees and will deal with our situation rightly and with His justice.
Act Out of Love
To overcome evil with good, we must hang onto good things and act out of love (v9). Romans 12: 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” [3] Our acts of kindness will be unexpected and cause our enemies to take notice. Hopefully, our choice not to retaliate but to act out of love will cause our enemies to be ashamed and turn from their sins. Even if they don’t, we are doing the right thing.
When we can act out of love towards unbelievers, it will prepare them to listen. We can speak about the Jesus we serve, the One who let evil appear to conquer Him when He died on the cross. But through His suffering and death, Jesus overcame evil with the power of His love and life.
To learn how to overcome evil with good, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/believe-live-it
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.