Romans 12:17-19 Amplified Bible
17 Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
The Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Romans 12:17-19 states,
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
This text from the book of Romans offers much needed, highly valued guidance to Christians of any generation on how to live in accordance with their faith and values, their morals and ethics particularly in their interactions with others.
Our reading begins with an admonition; “Recompense to no man evil for evil.”
This call for non-retaliation stresses the importance of responding to negative actions or treatment with kindness and forgiveness rather than revenge.
This principle reflects the teachings of Jesus, who urged his followers to
“turn the other cheek” and to love their enemies (Matthew 5:38-48).
Revenge is one of our most natural instincts.
Unfortunately, it is fast becoming how our world preferably works, for we live in a “dog eat dog” world, where if you get in my way I will forcibly remove you.
It is a natural response to being our wronged, then—but it is not a Christian one. Therefore, we should guard against it continuously. Even if we avoided it yesterday, a dangerous circle that’s not guaranteed we will do so again today.
Perhaps the sports arena is the place where we see most how easily revenge becomes the motivator for our plans and actions.
If an opposing player fouls you and it is not picked up on and punished by the referee or umpire, what are you and I most apt todo?
Our natural instinct is to find a way to get them back. So we plot and plan and pick our moment and “make it even.” And as it goes on the sports fields, so it goes in life—at least in our imaginations if not in any of our actual behaviors.
But then the Scripture cuts across, looking to permanently separate that natural instinct from our consciousness with the words “Never avenge yourselves.”
The passage then urges individuals to “whenever possible live peaceably with all men,” recognizing the value of our maintaining peaceful relations with others to the best of one’s ability.
This demonstrates our commitment to fostering harmony and understanding in relationships, even in the face of hardcore adversity or conflict.
Our pursuit of peace aligns with the broader biblical message of reconciliation and our promotion of unity among all believers and the broader community.
Paul did not only outlined the principle; he demonstrated it.
He was ministering in an environment giving him every reason for lethal retaliation: he himself was defamed, beaten, mocked, and imprisoned.
He was most likely still alive when Emperor Nero and his government were on a blood lust rampage turning the Christians into torches in the palace backyard.
They tied faithful followers of Jesus to stakes, drove those stakes deep into the ground, covered them in wax, and set them on fire—and still the command was “Never avenge yourselves!”
These verses provide a powerful reminder to believers, urging them not to take vengeance into their own hands.
Instead, they are most strongly urged to yield to the divine prerogative of justice, as it is written,
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 32:34-36 New American Standard Bible
34 ‘Is it not stored up with Me,
Sealed up in My treasuries?
35 Vengeance is Mine, and retribution;
In due time their foot will slip.
For the day of their disaster is near,
And the impending things are hurrying to them.’
36 For the Lord will vindicate His people,
And will have compassion on His servants,
When He sees that their [a]strength is gone,
And there is none remaining, bond or free.
These verses echo the Old Testament teachings found in Deuteronomy 32:34-36, emphasizing responsibility for administering justice ultimately rests with God.
Leviticus 19:18 New American Standard Bible
18 You shall not take vengeance, nor hold any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.
Surrendering our sinful desires for retaliation, trusting in God’s judgment, we discover His Shalom and release the burdens of carrying out justice ourselves.
The sad truth is too often we fail to distinguish between the application of divine law, which is solely God’s prerogative; the application of criminal law, which is solely the state’s God-ordained responsibility (Romans 13:1-4); and our practice of personal revenge, for which our Bible provides us no mandate.
We are permitted to pursue criminal justice from the state, seek legal recourse in our multi-tiered judicial systems, always remembering it will not be perfect, was not designed to be final; but most of all, though, we are called to entrust ourselves to God’s ultimate divine justice, just as His Son did (1 Peter 2:22-24).
1 Peter 2:22-24 New American Standard Bible
22 He who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 [a]and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself [b]brought our sins in His body up on the [c]cross, so that we might die to [d]sin and live for righteousness; by His [e]wounds you were healed.
We must live into and out from our faith remembering that today is probably not the day of final judgment, and we are certainly not qualified as a judge.
We have a supreme calling as citizens of an eternal kingdom rather than any earthly kingdom.
Unbelievers won’t be drawn to Christ if they see His followers proclaiming that, First, God is the only just Judge and then second, acting as though we ourselves are the only ones who have that exclusive right to mete out summary judgment.
Our hypocritical actions will affect those around us who are struggling with sin.
Let it be that they are won to Christ by His love and never be driven away from considering Christ by our misuse of judgment, wholly inappropriate retaliation.
Finally, Romans 12:17-19 offers a timeless, profound message for believers, urging them to embody forgiveness, integrity, and mercy in their interactions.
It calls individuals to relinquish their desire for retaliation and trust in God’s ultimate justice.
By adhering to these principles, believers exemplify the transformative power of the gospel in their lives, fostering harmonious relationships and upholding the values of their faith which is taught, retaught and demonstrated by Jesus.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …
The Works and the Word of God.
For the music director. A Psalm of David.
19 The heavens tell of the glory of God;
And their expanse declares the work of His hands.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
4 Their [a]line has gone out into all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
5 Which is like a groom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices like a strong person to run his course.
6 Its rising is from [b]one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the [c]other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The Law of the Lord is [d]perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much pure gold;
Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, Your servant is warned by them;
In keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
13 Also keep Your servant back from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be innocent,
And I will be blameless of great wrongdoing.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 