As we studied Romans 12:17, 18, and 19, we have found several commands that build on one another, and obedience to one prepares us to easily obey the others. Let’s have a quick review of those commands to prepare our minds for this week’s study:
Repay no one evil for
evil. There are no exceptions; “no one” means absolutely no one. We are not to repay even one
person with evil. Read and think on
these verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:15, 1
Peter 2:20-23, 1 Peter 3:8-9, Matthew 5:44-48
Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. To have regard for good things means that you truly know what
is good (through reading and study of the
Bible) and that you prepare yourself to practise it every moment of every
day. There is no exception to the “all
men” in this command – it means no matter who you are around, you are
behaving as a child of God, with self-control and kindness. Read and think on these verses: Matthew 5:14-16, Romans 13:12-14, Galatians
6:9-10, Ephesians 5:1-9; 15-17, Philippians 2:14-15, 1 Peter 2:12, James 3:13
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably
with all men. Having regard for good things will
help us better obey this command. When we prepare our mind and heart to obey
God in all things (by finding out and
understanding His will, Ephesians 5:8-10, 15-17) we will have also prepared
ourselves to be more able to bring peace/good to a situation. Please read and think on these verses: Hebrew 12:14, Matthew 5:44-48
Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath. We are not to retaliate. We are not to repay evil for evil.
When our regard for good things and our efforts to bring about peace are
dismissed by others, we then leave it to God (Him who judges righteously, 1 Peter 2:23) and we do our best to continue
in holy and honourable conduct (1 Peter
1:15-16; 2:12). Read and think on
these verses: Proverbs 20:22, Philippians 1:27-29, Romans 2:1-11, 2
Thessalonians 1:3-12
In verse 20, Paul quotes a portion from Proverbs to
reiterate our responsibility and what it can bring about:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” (Romans 12:20 NKJV)
Note: The passage
Paul quotes (Proverbs 25:21-22) ends
with: “…and the LORD will reward you.” (NKJV)
Doing these basic kindnesses – providing what is right even when
you’ve been treated wrong – will make our stand for what is good and right very
obvious, it may even cause our enemy to pause and consider their own bad behaviour.
Note: While I was
studying this verse, I found that Arabians use the phrase ‘burning coals of the heart’ when talking of those things that
cause acute mental pain (guilt, remorse,
etc.). It is that mental discomfort (like
a prickling heat) that can cause us to look back on and consider on our own
words and/or actions.
Righteous action can be impactful. By responding to hostility with kindness, we reflect the character of
Christ and can possibly lead others to a change of heart/conduct. Being
different than the world can make a
difference – the power of love can transform hearts and minds.
When we face an enemy we need to practise what is right so
that they can know a better way. It will not be easy, but it is worth our
effort to try. God’s way is the best way!
You can do it! So can I!!
