For Christians in Rome receiving these instructions, these words were more challenging and complex than most of today's American Christians consider. There were enemies in and outside the Christian community. Some Jewish Christians had strong emotions against gentile Christians who rejected the Jewish proselytism process. [That can be documented in the Bible (see Acts 11:1-3; 15:1-5; 21:17-26)]. There were likely gentile Christians who had anti-Semitic feelings. There were Jews [who were not Christians] who deeply resented declarations by gentile Christians that they belonged to the God Who Jews worshipped from the formation of Israel. There were idol worshippers who regarded any Christian presence or outreach as disastrous. There was an idolatrous government that looked suspiciously upon the new religious movement.
Christians in Rome looked in many directions and saw enemies. (a) They acknowledged and worshipped only one God, and that was extremely unpopular in a civilization that worshipped many gods. (b) They could not be involved in activities that combined politics and idolatry or economics and idolatry, and that was considered ridiculous and dangerous. (c) They were confident that a resurrection occurred, and that was considered ridiculously impossible. (d) They were seriously divided among themselves as a Christian community.
Dealing with enemies was not a hypothetical challenge or hypothetical possibility in their religious/social environment! Paul's instructions were based on a daily reality for Christians who were a devout part of the Christian community in Rome. Paul's instructions were challenging!
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
This injunction was counter to prevailing views! Rather than subscribing to some form of "might makes right," Paul said the follower of Christ never prevailed by resorting to the practices of evil. If a Christian did so, he/she promoted evil and made evil a part of himself/herself. By resorting to evil tactics, Christians became a part of the problem!
Christians do what is right because of who they are in their relationship with God, not because doing right is popular among the people with whom they must interact. Christians will do right even when doing wrong is popular! God renewed their way of thinking. They represent God! They will be devoted to establishing a godly impression no matter where they are or who is around. God determines their behavior, not people. They will think and act like Christians even if people around them do not think and act like Christians.
Rather than seeking conflict, they respect and encourage good wherever it is expressed.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Christians do not seek conflict. They seek peace. If peace does not exist between Christians and others [Christians or non-Christians], it will not be the fault of the people whose minds were renewed by God.
The fact that the Christian is devoted to peace does not mean that peace will exist. There were those [and still are] who resented the living God and all who served Him. All the Christian could do regarding such people was (a) maintain a behavior and attitude that encouraged and welcomed peace and (b) respond with acceptance if peace was offered. In any situation, it takes more than one to bring peace into existence. One person can promote evil, but one person cannot create and maintain peace. All a Christian can do is offer peace as a genuine option.
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."
Evil seeks revenge. God's renewed thinking does not seek revenge. Wrath is not a human quality of godly people. Humans have too many flaws and make too many mistakes to seek a "just revenge." Humans act too much on emotion and too little on a comprehensive understanding of facts. Vengeance belongs to God (a) because God has no flaws and (b) because God has a comprehensive understanding of the facts. Faith places vengeance in God's hands.
A Christian's actions are based on God's compassion rather than God's vengeance. The God of vengeance prefers to show compassion if people will allow Him too (consider Matthew 5:43-48). God's self-description of His character first focused on His compassion and grace before He acknowledged His vengeance (Exodus 34:6, 7). Since the Christian has fully received God's compassion, he/she is devoted to being compassionate rather than vengeful. He/she who was God's enemy (Romans 5:8) became God's saved one because the gracious God was compassionate and granted forgiveness.
Thus, even if his/her enemy is in need, he/she with consideration responds to the enemy's need. By being kind to an enemy in distress, he/she challenges the enemy to think from his/her "God renewed" perspective rather than hate's perspective.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
There is only one way to defeat evil. It is NOT by resorting to evil's tactics. It is by doing good. Those who dare to be living sacrifices may become dying sacrifices in the battle against evil. The Christian who willingly dies for devotion to God's work in Jesus Christ understands God uses righteous deaths as well as righteous lives to achieve His purposes in this world.
For Thought and Discussion
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 5