- Let God repay them for the evil done to you: (12:17-19): If Christ love flows in us, we too would love others. We would forgive others as Christ forgave us. Since we have received God’s grace, we too should show the grace of God to others and even to our enemies. Grace is un-merited favour. We are children of God, we must live on higher level by returning good for evil. If we return evil for evil, we only add fuel to the fire, but on the other hand, if we return good for the evil, forgive our enemies, it is possible that the persecutor may be ashamed. Even if he does not, by forgiving, we may be free from the bitterness. Our task is not to protect ourselves, but to obey the Lord and leave the rest to God. If we defend ourselves, then the Lord can’t defend us. Leave it in His hands. We should not take law into our hands but leave it for the government or civil magistrate to do his duty. If we do not get the justice from them and if they are unfaithful to the trust reposed in him by the state, leave the matter to God, who is the righteous Judge. We should do our best to avoid offense. Sometimes that means accepting restrictions on our own life. At other times, it is necessary to stand up for the truth of the gospel.
The Lord says: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (12:19b). It is to leave the entire matter into God’s hand. This brings forgiveness into the role. In God’s own perfect time, He will repay the persecutor. Perhaps God will also give the person to repent. God converts all the persecution for our benefit. During the first century, the emperor Claudius edict forced Aquila and Priscilla to leave Rome and stayed in Corinth. Paul with their association gave him good idea about the church in Rome.
Ex: Graham Staines, the missionary from Australia was burnt alive with his two young sons (Philip 10 years old and Timothy 7 years old) after they returned from jungle camp while sleeping in their jeep in the village ‘Baripada’ by Hindu activists. He was a medical missionary actively involved giving healing touch to lepers. The entire world knows the cruel act done by these extremists and their leader. It was a bitter moment for Graham’s wife Gladys. When she was asked by the media, what punishment to be meted out to the leader of the extremist, Gladys said: she has forgiven him, showing God’s divine character in her life.
- Feed them when they are hungry and water when they are thirsty: (12:20-21): Paul referred the proverbs: “if your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head and the Lord will reward you” (Pro.25:21-22). the apostle Paul reiterating the Egyptian tradition of carrying a pan of burning charcoal on one’s head as a public act of repentance. While extending his thought from the previous verse (12:19), we should treat our enemies with kindness so that they would be ashamed of their actions. The best way to get rid of enemies is to make them our friends. “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” (Lk.9:56 KJV).
Jesus said: “Love your neighbour and pray for those who persecute you that you may the sons of your Father in Heaven” (Matt.5:44-45). These words are easy to read but difficult to practice. Surely we need to pray and ask God for love as we try to show kindness to our enemies. The best way to show kindness is at the appropriate time, approach the person and say to him/her that you would like to heal your relationship. Lend a helping hand, send a gift. Our right actions would certainly lead to right feelings and give them an opportunity for repentance. Paul concludes the discussion by saying, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (12:21). That is the way of Christ. Evil cannot be beaten by more evil, but it can be conquered only by good.
A few questions to answer before we move to next chapter:
- What steps I must take in order to being conformed to God’s will? (12:1-2).
- What gifts of the Holy I possess? (12:3-5)
- Am I using my gifts to serve others? (12:6-9).
- How can I give honour to others? (12:10).
- How am I dealing with my foes? (12:17-21)