“Abhor what is evil…Repay no one evil for evil…Beloved, do not avenge yourselves…Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:9, 17, 19, 21).
God’s directives for the proper mindset toward evil are very specific and easily understood.
Abhor evil. A holy wrath toward all human ungodliness and unrighteousness is of divine origin (Romans 1:18). Imitating God in this way is expected and essential to being acceptable to God. It is impossible to love the holy God and not abhor evil. Loving God and His commandments will result in hating every false way (Psalm 119:127-128).
Do not repay evil with evil. Abhorring evil does not authorize vigilante vengeance on your part. If possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men and give place for God to execute His holy and just vengeance on evil as and when He deems it appropriate. His timing is always perfect; therefore, do not avenge yourself when evil is done to you.
Overcome evil with good. Jesus’ devastating defeat of evil at Calvary did not come through repaying evil with evil; rather, good triumphed over evil because He chose to be tenderhearted, forgiving, and loving. The day will come when Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels and in flaming fire take vengeance on those who do not know God and have not obeyed the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). That day was not the day of His crucifixion. For evil to be conquered, you cannot return evil for evil; you must return good for evil.
