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. 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 12:17-21)

Good Advice For A Chaotic World

It is a hard world to live in with all the anger and hatred manifesting in road rage, yelling contests in stores and restaurants, families fighting, and disrespect for authority. There is nothing new about the conditions of the world because sin has mangled the spirit of man since Adam and Eve lost the garden. God has always told man how to live peacefully in a world of conflict.

When men live outside the laws of God, there will be hatred. The children of God live by a law that governs their emotions to serve others with love and compassion. Paul offers some advice on living in a world of chaos that would be well to heed.

Evil abounds in the world, and evil men will always bring sorrow and heartache for their own purposes. The Christian does not pay back evil deeds with more evil. Jesus described the child of God as one who loves others, seeking their good and proper welfare. The singular desire of the Christian is to do everything they can to live in peace with everyone. This will be a challenge in a world that challenges a life of faith, but it can be done.

One of the main ingredients to the character of the Christian is his peaceable spirit. He does not seek to bring evil to others. He desires to bring the joy of Jesus Christ to those who do evil. It takes courage not to avenge wrongs or injustice. Rising above the noise of the world seeking its own ways is where the Christian shines the most.

The workplace can be a competitive world of backbiting, backstabbing, and vicious wranglings. For the Christian, his example is one of godliness and kindness toward others. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Christian brings calm to the workplace as they let their light shine by doing good. Evil is not repaid with evil, vengeance is not rewarded with anger, and evil is overcome with good.

Families are torn apart with jealousy, anger, yelling, and hatred. For the child of God, their family is an example of goodness to one another and to others. As neighbors in a community, their home is a model of godliness and caring for others. The challenge Paul offers is the example of the Christian spirit feeding enemies that are hungry and giving them drink when thirsty. What this does is bring peace by doing good and shining the light of righteousness in the lives of those filled with the evil of the world.

Vengeance belongs to God and should be left to His will. It is not the place of the Christian to execute righteousness judgment on those whom the Lord will judge. Those who profess a love of Christ show by their example a love toward enemies in doing good things. Evil should not conquer the heart of the Christian; love should overcome evil with good.

The advice Paul gives is two-fold. First, it is the commandment of God. The Lord has always expected and demanded His children live above the evil of the world. Judgment of the Christian will come from his relationship with those in the world. Secondly, the admonition of Paul is good advice on how to live in a crazy, mixed-up world. The practical applications of these attitudes will bring a remarkable change to the individual and to the community.

Let God shine in your neighborhood so that others can see Christ living in you. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.