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.

There are moments in life when it feels only natural to answer hurt with hurt—to say something sharp when you’ve been stung, or to plot a quiet payback after someone has wronged you. Yet here, the apostle gently tells us to resist that reflex: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil” (Romans 12:17). Vengeance is not ours to take; it belongs to God, or—when necessary—to those He has entrusted with authority, like the civil magistrates (Romans 13:4). Private revenge only deepens wounds and leads hearts further from the gentle way of Christ (Matthew 5:39).

Instead, God calls us to pursue what is honest and good, not merely in secret, but openly “in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17). This is about more than simply providing for our families; it means being watchful, intentional, and eager to do whatever is admirable and right—acts of kindness and integrity that even those who don’t know Christ can recognize as good (2 Corinthians 8:21). But we don’t do this for applause or reputation, like the religious showmen of Jesus’ day (Matthew 6:1); we do it to silence slander, to disarm critics with patient goodness, and ultimately to honor God (1 Peter 2:15).

As far as it depends on us, we are to “live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). This isn’t always easy. Some people simply refuse peace, no matter how gracious we are. And there are lines we cannot cross, like compromising holiness, truth, or the good of others (Ephesians 4:3; Colossians 3:15). But what’s required of us is to make every honest effort; let any conflict be their doing, not ours. If peace is possible, let us be the first to offer it—with family, neighbors, church, or even strangers (1 Thessalonians 5:13).

Take encouragement in this: God is honored not just by bold words, but by quiet faithfulness, patient kindness, and the steadfast refusal to let bitterness rule the heart. Your gentle example may one day lead even the hardest soul to seek the peace you’ve found in Christ.

Verses Referenced:

• Romans 12:17
• Romans 13:4
• Matthew 5:39
• 2 Corinthians 8:21
• Matthew 6:1
• 1 Peter 2:15
• Romans 12:18
• Ephesians 4:3
• Colossians 3:15
• 1 Thessalonians 5:13

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