“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse…If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. 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’” (Romans 12:14, 18-20).
“Two wrongs don’t make it right.”
That pithy counsel was given to me by my wise and perceptive mother on numerous occasions in my formative years.
Turning the other cheek rarely, if ever, happens by accident. It works best when it is the first response in a deliberate strategy for defeating evil with good.
The apostle Paul provides God’s detailed, surefire strategy for godly people intent on overcoming evil with good. This practical plan includes:
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Refuse to retaliate to mistreatment.
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Bless those who persecute you.
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Actively pursue peace with all people.
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Leave vengeance upon evil to God.
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Love your enemy and do good to him whenever possible.
When these actions are carried out as divinely prescribed, you will be capable of overcoming evil with good instead of being overcome by evil.
