Romans 12:17 says, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” This is an important verse that gives us guidance on how to respond when someone does evil against us. Let’s explore the meaning and application of this verse.
The Command to Not Repay Evil for Evil
The first part of Romans 12:17 gives a clear command – “Repay no one evil for evil.” When someone wrongs us, whether intentionally or unintentionally, our natural inclination might be to want to “get even.” However, this verse tells us not to repay in kind. Just because someone did something hurtful or harmful to us does not mean we should do the same back to them. This principle applies whether the harm done was physical, verbal, emotional, or relational.
Some examples could be:
- If someone insults you, don’t insult them back.
- If someone cuts you off in traffic, don’t retaliate.
- If someone spreads gossip about you, don’t spread gossip about them.
- If someone cheats you financially, don’t try to cheat them back.
The command is simple yet challenging – “do not repay evil for evil.” No matter what wrong is done to us, we are called to break the cycle of evil by absorbing it without returning it. This goes against our natural desires for revenge or to “get even.” But Scripture calls us to a higher standard.
Overcoming Evil with Good
It’s important to note that just not retaliating is not the end goal. While refusing to repay evil for evil is a great start, Romans 12:21 gives us the next step: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” We aren’t just called to be passive and let evil overtake us. Rather, we are called to actively overcome evil with good.
Some examples could be:
- If someone insults you, bless them in return.
- If someone cuts you off in traffic, wish good on them.
- If someone spreads gossip about you, say positive things about them.
- If someone cheats you financially, forgive their debt.
While our flesh wants to fight back when evil is done to us, God calls us to a higher response – to overcome that evil with actual good. This is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Leaving Room for God’s Wrath
A key aspect of not repaying evil for evil is that we leave room for God’s wrath. Romans 12:19 reminds us: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” When we try to avenge ourselves, we are taking on a role that rightfully belongs to God.
God is perfect in justice and will make all wrongs right one day. When we let Him be the judge and refrain from taking revenge, we can trust that evil will be perfectly dealt with in His time. As Romans 12:17 reminds us, the goal for us is to “give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Our actions should be guided by what is right, not retaliation.
Following Christ’s Example
Jesus provides the perfect example of not repaying evil for evil. 1 Peter 2:23 tells us, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” When Jesus was insulted, mocked, beaten, and crucified, He did not retaliate or threaten his persecutors. Instead, He entrusted Himself to God who judges justly.
As followers of Christ, we are called to follow His example. By trusting that God will deal justly with those who do evil, we can refuse to take revenge. Instead, we follow Jesus’ pattern of enduring suffering while continuing to do good.
Blessings for Not Retaliating
When we refrain from repaying evil with evil, we will be blessed. 1 Peter 3:9 says “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” There is an inherent blessing when we break free from the natural pattern of retaliation and instead extend blessing.
As we abstain from vengeance and instead extend mercy and grace, we will find that the bitter root of unforgiveness starts to lose its grip within our hearts. We will experience increasing freedom and joy as we trust God with the injustices done against us. Our example will also point others to the goodness of Christ.
Dependence on the Holy Spirit
While the command to not repay evil for evil is straightforward, it is extremely difficult to live out in our human strength. Our flesh wants to fight back when hurt or wronged. It feels intolerable to let an injustice go unaddressed. Romans 12:19 reminds us that we should “give place to wrath.” In other words, we need to get out of the way and let God be the rightful judge and avenger.
This is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. We need to continually yield control to Him rather than our fleshly desires. As Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us, the Holy Spirit produces fruit like “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” These attributes allow us to follow Romans 12:17 by not retaliating against evil.
Practical Application
While the command to not repay evil for evil is straightforward, putting it into practice can be very difficult at times. Here are some practical tips for applying Romans 12:17:
- Pray for those who wrong you. Praying for someone makes it hard to retaliate against them.
- Distance yourself physically if needed. Creating healthy boundaries can help prevent escalating conflicts.
- Release your rights. Surrender your right to get even, be understood, or control outcomes.
- Remember Christ’s example. Follow His pattern of enduring unjust suffering without retaliation.
- Wait on God. Give God space to work rather than taking matters into your own hands.
- Do good. Actively look for ways to bless the one who harmed you.
- Confess unhealthy thoughts. Admit vindictive thoughts to God and allow Him to transform your heart.
Putting these into practice takes humility, courage, patience, trust in God, and deliberate effort. We must continually rely on the Holy Spirit to develop His fruit within us.
Key Points
Some key points about Romans 12:17 include:
- We are clearly commanded not to repay evil for evil when wronged.
- Our goal should be to overcome evil with good, not just remain passive.
- God promises to ultimately avenge all wrongs in His time.
- Jesus modeled absorbing evil without retaliation or threats.
- There is blessing when we break free from retaliation and show grace.
- We must depend on the Holy Spirit to follow this difficult command.
- Practical application requires prayer, boundaries, surrender, and patience.
In Summary
Romans 12:17 gives an extremely challenging but important command – do not repay evil for evil. This goes against our natural instincts but aligns with Christ’s example. We bless others and trust God with justice and vengeance. While difficult, there is great reward when we walk in the Spirit and refuse retaliation. Our good example can point people to our Father.