What is the message of Romans 12:17?

Romans 12:17 is a verse that speaks to the heart of Christian ethics and behavior. It states, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone." This verse is part of a broader passage in which the Apostle Paul provides practical instructions for living out the Christian faith. To fully grasp the message of Romans 12:17, it is essential to understand its context within the chapter and the broader teachings of the New Testament.

Romans 12 marks a transition in Paul's letter from theological exposition to practical exhortation. After laying out the foundations of Christian doctrine in the earlier chapters, Paul turns his attention to how these truths should manifest in the lives of believers. Romans 12:1-2 sets the stage by urging Christians to offer their bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation leads to a life that discerns and aligns with God's will.

In verses 9-21, Paul provides a series of ethical instructions that describe what a transformed life looks like. Romans 12:17 falls within this section, and its message can be unpacked by examining its key components.

First, the command "Do not repay anyone evil for evil" echoes Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus instructs His followers not to resist an evil person and to turn the other cheek when struck. This radical call to non-retaliation challenges the natural human inclination to seek revenge or justice through personal retribution. Instead, Christians are called to break the cycle of violence and hostility by responding to evil with grace and forgiveness.

The rationale behind this command is rooted in the character of God and the example of Christ. God is described as merciful and just, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 103:8). Jesus, during His earthly ministry, exemplified this divine character by forgiving His persecutors and praying for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). By instructing believers not to repay evil for evil, Paul is calling them to embody the same divine attributes and to trust in God's ultimate justice.

The second part of Romans 12:17, "Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone," emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good witness before others. This does not mean compromising one's convictions to please people, but rather living in such a way that one's actions are above reproach and reflect the integrity of the gospel. Paul elsewhere advises believers to "live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (1 Peter 2:12).

This call to do what is right in the eyes of everyone is consistent with the broader New Testament ethic of love and peacemaking. In Romans 12:18, Paul further instructs, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Christians are to be proactive in seeking reconciliation and harmony, even when it requires personal sacrifice or suffering.

The message of Romans 12:17 is a profound challenge to the values of the world. In a culture that often glorifies vengeance and self-assertion, Paul calls believers to a higher standard of conduct rooted in the love and grace of God. This standard is not merely about avoiding retaliation but actively seeking the good of others, even those who wrong us.

To live out this message requires a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to overcome their natural inclinations and to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, including love, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It also requires a firm trust in God's sovereignty and justice, believing that He will ultimately right all wrongs and vindicate the righteous.

Moreover, Romans 12:17 challenges the church to be a community that models these values. When Christians collectively refuse to repay evil for evil and strive to do what is right in the eyes of everyone, they become a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel. This witness can draw others to Christ and bring glory to God.

In conclusion, the message of Romans 12:17 is a call to radical, countercultural living that reflects the character of God and the teachings of Jesus. It challenges believers to respond to evil with grace, to maintain a good witness before others, and to seek peace and reconciliation. By living out this message, Christians can demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel and bring glory to God in a world desperately in need of His love and justice.