APRIL 16, 2026 – OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD

READ: Rom. 12:17–21: Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.

Paul speaks about a living faith that expresses itself in love toward the neighbor. This also includes people outside the church, even enemies (vv.17, 18, 20). The Lord Jesus also spoke about this (Matt. 5:13–16, 44; Luke 6:27). When someone does you evil, you must not repay that evil with words or deeds.

Elsewhere in Scripture we read the same. 1 Thess. 5:15: See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 1 Cor. 4:12–13: Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure. 1 Cor. 6:7: Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 1 Pet. 3:9: Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

With this attitude we are followers of Jesus: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Pet. 2:21–23).

Thus Paul also writes that we must not take judgment and punishment into our own hands, but leave this to the Lord. This does not mean that ordained office-bearers may not exercise discipline over those who behave improperly in the congregation. Yet these office-bearers do this on behalf of the Lord. You yourself may not avenge; you must leave it to the Lord.

Paul points out that you must instead do good to your enemy, for example by giving him food and drink. In this way you will heap coals of fire on his head (v.20). By your good conduct you will make him ashamed of himself. 1 Pet. 2:15: For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. In this also we must deny our own self and seek the salvation of the other.

Is this an easy task?

Singing: Ps. 112:4