HOW TO TREAT YOUR ENEMY.
Romans 12:16-21.
“Be not wise in yourselves,” reads the last clause of ROMANS 12:16. Paul has already warned us against being ‘wise in our own conceits’ (cf. Romans 11:25). This is also taught elsewhere in Scripture (cf. Proverbs 3:7; Isaiah 5:21; James 3:13-16).
The paradox is that we must become ‘a fool’ (in the world’s eyes) in order to be truly wise (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:18). After all, we cleave to the ‘foolishness’ of the cross (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18) and the ‘foolishness’ of preaching (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:21). But we also cleave to ‘Christ the wisdom of God’ (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:24).
ROMANS 12:17 (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:15). “To no-one evil for evil rendering.” This is in keeping with Jesus’ own teaching about ‘turning the other cheek’ (cf. Matthew 5:39).
The corollary is “Providing good before all men.” The Greek word translated “providing” has the sense here of ‘striving to exhibit’ (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:21). This is also in keeping with Jesus’ teaching (cf. Matthew 5:16).
ROMANS 12:18. “If possible, as to yourselves, with all men being at peace.” The first clause “if possible” is objective, suggesting that there may be a situation where, despite all our efforts, the other party is the one making peace impossible. This is not compromise, or ‘peace at any price’: but it is our responsibility “as much lies in us” to strive for peace. If we fail, at least let it not be because we did not try.
This, of course, is impossible for the natural man. It is only possible for those in whom ‘the peace of God’ rules (cf. Colossians 3:15). Such peace is a fruit of the ‘wisdom from above’ (cf. James 3:17-18). ‘Blessed are the peacemakers,’ said Jesus (cf. Matthew 5:9).
ROMANS 12:19. “Not yourselves avenging, beloved, but give place to the wrath; for it has been written, ‘To Me vengeance! I will recompense, says the LORD’ (cf. Deuteronomy 32:35).” Notice that the Apostle calls his readers “beloved” because this is, after all, a call to agape love.
“THE wrath” to which we must give place is ‘the wrath of God’ (cf. Romans 1:18)! We are reminded, again, of the example of Jesus (cf. 1 Peter 2:23). Read Psalm 37:7-8.
ROMANS 12:20. Rather than pursuing vengeance, the Christian is encouraged to positive favourable action on behalf of their enemy (cf. Proverbs 25:21-22). This is all part of ‘loving your enemies’ (cf. Matthew 5:44). Thereby we might even shame him into a change of mind (i.e. repentance!)
ROMANS 12:21. “Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Evil overcomes us when we curse rather than bless (cf. Romans 12:14); recompense evil for evil (ROMANS 12:17); and avenge ourselves (ROMANS 12:19). We overcome evil with good by blessing our persecutors (ROMANS 12:14); when we strive to exhibit good before all men (ROMANS 12:17); and when we love and perform favourable action on behalf of our enemy (ROMANS 12:20).
