Romans 12:16-21
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Daily Devotion
By Pastor Seagraves
As we begin our last day of 2022, I pray today’s daily devotion will speak to you.
Roman 12:16-21 NKJV
16 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.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have[a] regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 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.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
In today’s passage, we find Paul writing to the church concerning our attitude/spirit towards those who have offended and hurt us.
In verse 16 Paul gives us a ‘KEY’; “…associate with the humble.” It is very true that we are influenced by and become more like those we fellowship with in our lives.
Verse 17 states; “Repay no one evil for evil.” In life we are taught to ‘PAY’ what we ‘OWE’. When we are hurt and wounded the carnal man sees that as a debt that MUST be paid to balance out our human sense of right and wrong. Only THEN can we feel better and justified. However, Paul challenges this wrongful human thinking with the words “Repay no one”.
Paul’s lesson is emphasized in verse 19 by saying “do not avenge yourselves”. By these words our justification for “payback” is then taken from our hand.
Paul states that we are to do the unexpected and bless our enemies. This is not a natural human reaction to being hurt and wounded. (***Please see note below)
Paul finishes this discourse with an encouragement; “Overcome evil with good”.
Message
Verse 16 “… don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody”
Verses 17-18 “…. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do.”
Verse 20 “… Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”
Amplified
Verse 16 “… do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.”
Verse 19 “… never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness].”
***Romans 12:20 – This may refer to an ancient Egyptian custom in which a penitent person carried a bowl of burning embers on his head to show his shame and guilt. By analogy, being kind to an enemy may lead him to shame and repentance.