45 Rm 12.21 Overcome evil with good
<p><b>Romans 12:14-21 (ESV) </b>
<sup>14 </sup> Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
<sup>15 </sup> Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
<sup>16 </sup> Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
<sup>17 </sup> Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
<sup>18 </sup> If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
<sup>19 </sup> Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
<sup>20 </sup> To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
<sup>21 </sup> Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.</p>
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<p>Seeking to get vengeance, retribution against someone for a wrong they have done to you, is an evil, a sin that comes from within, from the place that most corrupts a person (Mk 7.21-23). Suffering evil actions at the hands of others is indeed an evil, but it is external to you and, limited to suffering, is innocent on your part and goes no deeper than your flesh and your thoughts and emotions -- of itself it has no power to corrupt you from within. Often the greatest evil effect of what was done for you is the creation within of a strong temptation, often so strong and persistent as to become a lust, for revenge. This desire to exact justice on the evil-doer, to "get back at him/her", to "even the score" is the greatest harm the person has done to you because, if you cannot get free of the lust, it will corrupt you from within. That lust for vengeance will go deeper than the wounds done to your flesh, thoughts, and emotions -- it will harm your soul and spirit. That is why Rom 12.21 warns against being overcome by this evil done to you and the associated temptation to desire and get vengeance on your own terms. Fortunately, verse 21 also provides the remedy to escape suffering that second and greater evil: overcome evil with good. Overcome the temptation by practicing the virtues listed in Rom 12.14 (bless those who persecute you), Rom 12.16 (don't be proud, haughty, "puffed up" thinking you are so important that anyone who hurts you "must pay"), Rom 12.17 (don't repay evil for evil), and Rom 12.18 (as much as it is in your power to do so, live at peace with others including those who have or are trying to hurt you). Finally, notice that evil such as what was done by the person who hurt you, is never overlooked by God; vengeance against that person is appropriate and, in His perfect time and perfect way God will accomplish it. Therefore, you don't have to deny a desire for retribution or vengeance. It is only that you must totally give up the desire to exact these things yourself. Your job is to give mercy and grace in Jesus' name. If you do these things for these reasons, the evil done you will not harm you further.</p>