Study of Romans 12 – Verse 17 (Part 1)

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17 NKJV)

    There are two strong phrases that are suitably placed at opposite ends of this verse: “no one” and “all men”, let’s take time this week to have a closer look at the first phrase.

“no one” (Strong’s Greek #3367 ‘medeis’) This is a phrase used in the New Testament to give emphasis to the exclusion or prohibition being commanded; it means no one, absolutely none; not even one.

    Are we to repay evil to anyone? No, none, not even one.

“repay” (Strong’s Greek #591 ‘apodidomi’) means to render, to give back (to its rightful owner).

    What is it that we are never to repay, not even to one? Evil, when one have done evil to us.

The Bible says it best and clearest. Read – and reread – these commands:

“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what good for both yourselves and for all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15 NKJV)

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 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.” (1 Peter 3:8-9 NKJV)

And now read how Jesus obeyed this very command – and how we are to follow His steps:

“…when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, now 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 Peter 2:20b-23 NKJV)

    There is no room around this command; there are no exceptions. We are not to repay even one person with evil, even though they have done evil to us. Period.

    Determine today, and every day you are blessed with, to be on vigilant guard of your thoughts, words, and actions; be very careful that you repay no one evil for evil. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and turn to Matthew 5:44; read this verse, and then write it out – carefully. Pay close attention to Jesus’ instruction, and put it into immediate practice; in following it you can be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48).

Are you ready to replace retaliation with blessing?

You can do it! So can I!!