Based on Romans 12:14-21 (New King James Version)
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 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. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. 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.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
God not only cares about how we treat Him, but also, how each believer treats his fellow man. Many people think that if they try to maintain a good relationship with God directly then they think that they don’t have to do anything else; but that is far from the truth. Furthermore, the way that God sees if our relationship is well with Him is by the way we treat one another, and a lot of what He teaches goes against our very nature regarding that and as we will see through today’s sharing. So, we should leave aside our opinion. Only God’s counsel should reign in our lives.
In today’s passage, the first thing we see is a principle that goes clearly against our instincts and sentiments. The most natural thing in a person is to try to return the wrong that was done to them, where many cling on to the “eye for an eye, and tooth for tooth” idea. The Lord Jesus changed that concept, especially when introducing the dispensation of the grace of God through His own sacrifice on the cross, by washing away all the sins of those that accept Him as the Lord of their lives. Even more so, He taught us this: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 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, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48. I know it is difficult to return good for evil, but, God desires for us to act with others the way He acted with us, especially when considering that we used to be His enemy when we were lost in our sins. And with that is also included the “not repaying evil for evil” and vengeance.
In connection with this concept, unmerited forgiveness was introduced at the same time. The Lord also taught the following: “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26. This of course goes against our nature and instincts, but that is why it is necessary to be born again in Him to be able to do things like this, which is the only means that makes the impossible possible in our lives. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that the process of transformation occurs (which is what God wants to have happen in each of us). Man cannot triumph over their sinful nature on their own. That’s why the believer cannot stagnate, but rather, should always continue moving forward, towards the goal that the Scriptures outline for us.
We are also taught through this passage that we should have a singular unity with others, by understanding their joys and their sadness. It is usually easier to be with people when everything is ok. But when there is sadness, people usually find themselves alone and abandoned. In this is also included keeping each other company and helping one another in our moments of pain, of sickness, of confusion, and any other difficult time that a person can find themselves in. You should not be around during the good times only, but during the tough times as well.
And finally, we should see this point: overcoming evil with good. The easiest thing to do in this life is to give up. There are many times that we might say: “why continue fighting against the current, because I can’t do this anymore.” Or also, “what have I gained by trying to do things right if all I get back is evil.” It’s very possible that doing what is right may cause you problems, or that you may grow weary because you don’t see any reward here. But, you need to keep something clear, especially before giving up: God is watching. And, if we understand that God is watching, then we know that whether things work out well or not, that God will reward us in the end and eternally. And that is a reality worth fighting for. I would rather have God’s reward which is infinite than man’s gratitude or things here that only last so long, because they will vanish soon. As an ending to this thought, the Lord says this in His Word: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10.
So then, what is God seeing when you interact with others? Lord bless! John