Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil

For the Kingdom and the glory belong to You, Lord God. Jesus, the word of God made flesh, the name above all names. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He will judge and rule in righteousness in Him  there is peace. Trust in Christ to do what we cannot. Faith in Him and in His righteousness equals salvation, the gift of God to undeserving mankind. 

What does God require of us? Micah 6:8

Be fair 

Be merciful

Be humble in our walk with Him

Romans 12:17-21 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.

Revelation 14:14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.

Revelation 19:11-13 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 

Only by the Blood of the Lamb is salvation. In His sacrifice alone we are brought back into right standing with our God. We choose who we will serve. Choose life! Those who reject Jesus Christ will have chosen death instead of life. John 3:18  Carla

This instruction seems to draw on the teaching of Jesus (Matthew 5:39). 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 (Rom 12:19). 12:21 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

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

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 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.

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.”

Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

The good news is that Jesus' death and resurrection have now fulfilled the old covenant and created a new one. When we put our faith in Jesus' work on the cross, we enter into an eternal relationship with our heavenly Father where our righteousness is based on Christ's perfect obedience (Romans 6:23). Even on our worst days, we are secure in Christ. There is no sin His sacrifice doesn't cover.

So do our choices matter? Absolutely, yes (Romans 6:1-2)! As we live our days choosing to serve Jesus and share His gift of grace, He uses our lives to display His glory. First5