15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
- P30
19Do 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.
20On 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."
- P31
21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- P31
Paul reminds his readers of the importance of not only rejoicing with those who rejoice but also mourning with those who mourn. They are to forsake conceit and readily associate with other believers, regardless of social class or background. Lastly, Paul encourages them to do their utmost to pursue peace. - P32
We are demonstrating God’s love when we are able to enjoy the happy times together and also support one another through difficult times. We should live in harmony with one another and not allow unnecessary conflict to arise in our communities. - P32
Finally, we should not resort to doing evil ourselves when someone has committed evil against us. We are to live by God’s standards, taking care to do what is right and living at peace with everyone. - P32
Paul tells the Romans that God is just, and they can leave any punishmentup to Him. Instead of focusing on avenging themselves, they are to respondwith gracious actions, feeding their enemies when they are hungry andgiving them something to drink when they are thirsty. - P32
When someone haswronged us, we might be tempted to take revenge, but God claims vengeance as His. For our part, responding with unexpected and undeservedcare makes those who wronged us feel as though burning coals are on theirheads: They recognize even more intensely the sinful actions they havecommitted. In this way we overcome their evil with good. - P32
Heavenly Father, I confess that I am sometimes inclined to take revenge against those who have committed evil against me. I leave the retribution to You. In my own actions, help me overcome evil with good. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P33
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