On The Contrary

This morning I felt led to read from Roman's 12, which is a great chapter, one that I have spent plenty of time reading and reflecting on, especially the first two thirds of the chapter. Today the verses that stood out to me were at the end of the chapter, Romans 12:17-21 NIV:

[17] “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 

[20] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

These verses are quite challenging, for they certainly are opposite most of our natural inclinations. We want to “fight fire with fire” and respond in-kind when someone is acting against us. The last thing we want to do is bless our enemies, feeding them or caring for them, and yet that is clearly the guidance and invitation we are given.  

Waiting on God to avenge us is a difficult thing, because we want to see punishment meted out! When someone hurts us, we want to see them hurt that same way, and yet that is not the way of the Kingdom of God. 

We are called to forgive, to bless, to pray for those who wound us, hurt us or have evil intentions against us. Jesus spoke about this and then provided us a perfect example through His passion and death. 

These all are contrary to our normal response, and that is why Paul, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, writes this here. We need to know that we are called to a different response.

Jesus in His sermon on the mount, introduced this theme and I am sure it was contrary to how people thought. Here are the verses from Matthew 5:38-48 NIV:

[38] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. [40] And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. [41] If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. [42] Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” 

[43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” 

These words of Jesus are the foundation upon which Paul builds. Even though Paul wasn’t present when Jesus spoke these words, his revelation was equally clear. As Christian’s we are supposed to respond differently than the world. Our invited response, as difficult as it is to embrace, is clear. We are to act differently than those around us, to be Holy (set apart). 

This call, this invitation is not just us about our actions, but our words and intentions even. We are supposed to pray for those against us, to bless instead of curse (Luke 6:28), to love in words and actions.  

I find that the temptation to engage in verbal volleys is rampant in our world today. As the church, we are invited to take a different approach. As Paul wrote, “overcome evil with good”!

My prayer is that we might embrace this contrary way! I pray that we might not get caught up in the swirl of the political spirit. I pray that we might accept this invitation to love, and bless and pray for those who would seek to harm us individually, or the Body of Christ. I pray that we might present to the world a response that represents the character of God, the one who has mercy, grace, compassion, love and forgiveness for all!  

Oh Lord, help us!

Amen!