May 30
“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. 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. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good,” Romans 12:18-21.
The entire twelfth chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans addresses how a Christian should conduct him or herself both within the Christian community and in contacts with our fellowmen in general. After admonishing Christians on how to conduct themselves in the company of fellow Christians, the apostle counsels Christians to live a life that is commendable in our dealings with people in general, whether they are Christians or non-Christians.
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” In as far as it is possible, Christians should strive to live and be at peace with everyone. Christians should not try to pick a fight or start a quarrel. Of course, it is not always possible to live and be at peace with everyone. Some people are so obstinate, so critical of everything that others say and do, so selfish and self-centered, that no matter what you say and do, it is never right! They themselves feel miserable, and they enjoy making life miserable for others.
In the company of such people, the sinful temptation is to try to get even with them. However, that is not the Christian way. Paul writes, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath.” We have the old saying, “Don’t fly off the handle!” Give place to wrath – that is, control your temper and your tongue. When you get angry, remember the saying, “Count to ten before you respond!” Better still, pray before you respond! Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” Matthew 5:44.
The apostle reminds us of what is written in Scripture. In the Book of Deuteronomy, God speaks: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them. For the Lord will judge His people,” Deuteronomy 32:35. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews also reminds us of the same: “We know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people,’” Hebrews 10:20. Just remember that the person who can “get by God” has not been born! And the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews adds, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God,” Hebrews 10:31.
While living as a Christian, we should show kindness to our enemies. “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.” That does not mean that you try to “make it hot for him!” It means that your kindness will make his face turn red as he blushes with shame for the way he treated you. Overcome evil with good – or, to express it with another saying, “Kill them with kindness!”
Placing our own lives into the light of all these words, we must confess that we have often failed. We turn to our gracious heavenly Father and confess our sins, and we can be assured that, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin,” 1 John 1:7. Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again to redeem us, assures us of forgiveness, and promises to strengthen our faith in His love and mercy, which will strengthen our efforts to live a better Christian life. God grant us the wisdom and ability to live as His children, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.