Romans 12:12-21 God loves the world that He created!

Proverbs 25:21–22 

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;

And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,

And the LORD will reward you.

Proverbs 20:22  

Do not say, “I will recompense evil”;

Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

The way is hard and the path long and winding but it can be fulfilled in the commandments to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself. We cannot call evil good. We can hate the sin but love the sinner, who is created in the image of God, only by the power of Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:12-21 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We cannot call evil good. Nor can we call good evil. Caring for others frees us from the trap of power and control. For God so loves the world that He gave us Jesus that in Him we can be saved. John 3:16-17  He wants no one to perish. Carla

Christians should not offer their service half-heartedly or in a lazy manner. Instead, Paul encourages the Romans to serve eagerly and in earnest. Hospitality means “love of strangers.” The primary reference is to housing travelers, though all forms of hospitality are included. The progression in this verse is significant. As we dedicate ourselves to meeting the needs of our fellow believers, we will have opportunities to serve strangers and thus witness to them about the love of Christ. Bless means “to speak well of” or “praise.” 

Because believers are a body, when one part hurts, everyone feels the pain; when one is joyful, everyone can rejoice. Christians cannot be indifferent to the suffering or joy of their fellow believers (1 Corinthian 12:25, 26). The word good in this verse means “morally good,” “noble,” or “praiseworthy.” This is the positive side of the negative command not to return evil for evil  (1 Peter 3:9). 

A Christian should not concentrate on the evil in others, but instead should focus on what is good. By doing so, we encourage others around us to aspire to the good. 

The believer’s aim should be to live peaceably. But sometimes peace is not within our control; this is why Paul limits the command. Believers are not to seek personal revenge, but rather to let God punish.  

Freed from vengeance, believers can give themselves to mercy, even toward their enemies. By acts of kindness, the believers will heap coals of fire on the head of their enemies, perhaps bringing shame and repentance to them. It is possible for an enemy to become a friend. This is the phenomenal power of God’s love that believers are connected to through Christ. The NKJV Study Bible

Although believers will encounter opposition, Paul urges them to live peacefully, not taking revenge upon those who wrong them. Paul cites Proverbs 25:21–22 to encourage believers to show their enemies undeserved kindness, which might elicit a response of shame and perhaps repentance. This approach leaves room God to render punishment if He chooses (Romans 12:19). Overcoming evil with good describes the consequence of the Christian ethics in verses 14–20. 

Good will prevail over evil when Christians respond to their enemies with love and blessings instead of revenge and curses. Faithlife Study Bible

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 

Deuteronomy 32:35 

Vengeance is Mine, and recompense;

Their foot shall slip in due time;

For the day of their calamity is at hand,

And the things to come hasten upon them.’

Proverbs 20:22  

Do not say, “I will recompense evil”;

Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

Proverbs 24:29 

Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;

I will render to the man according to his work.”

This week I am listening to the voice of Mr. Rogers—a voice that calms my spirit—reminding me, “There’s something deep inside, that helps us become what we can.” And this journey of discovery—of unveiling—is truly an ongoing pilgrimage. A journey where we uncover, and restore, and forgive, and heal. “Sabbath Moments”