Overcome Evil with Good

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 
— Romans 12:17–21


Paul’s words are both deeply practical and profoundly countercultural. The natural response to being wronged is to strike back, but Christ’s way calls us to resist that instinct. Instead of repaying evil with evil, we are to consider what is honorable in the sight of all and, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone. This peace is not born of passivity but of trust—trust that God is the ultimate judge and will set all things right. By meeting the needs of those who oppose us, we disarm hostility and demonstrate a love that is stronger than vengeance. The “burning coals” Paul describes are not about inflicting shame but about stirring conviction that may lead to repentance.

To overcome evil with good is to embody the redemptive power of the cross. It is to look upon injustice and choose mercy, to meet hatred with compassion, and to believe that love remains stronger than every act of cruelty. Such goodness is not naïve; it is rooted in a deep faith that God’s justice will prevail in His time. Every act of kindness toward an enemy becomes a quiet declaration that evil will not have the final word.

Is there someone in your life to whom you could show unexpected kindness, especially in a strained or broken relationship? What does it mean for you personally to “leave room for God’s wrath” instead of seeking your own form of justice? How might small, consistent acts of goodness help heal divisions and reflect Christ’s victory over evil?

Today, take one step to serve or bless someone who may not expect it. In doing so, you reflect the heart of Christ, who overcame the greatest evil with the ultimate good.


Lord God, 

Keep me from the desire to repay evil with evil. Help me to trust Your justice and to respond with goodness and kindness, even to those who oppose me. Teach me to overcome hostility with love, so that my life points others to Your transforming power. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

-

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