
Radically Different Living
Main Point: We will enjoy better mental health if we are committed to what is good and opposed to what is evil.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do 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. On 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.”
Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:17-21
“Don’t hit back” (Romans 12:17a/The Message)
“If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody.” (Romans 12:18/The Message)
“Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” —(Romans 12:19/The Message)
“Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.” —(Romans 12:20/The Message)
“Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.” —(Romans 12:21/The Message)
Action Step: Memorize Luke 6:31 - Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Takeaway: Jesus demonstrated that it was possible for good to triumph over evil; He asks us to do the same.
Discussion Questions
1. What would you say to someone who said to you, “I was hurt. I have the right to take revenge”?
2.Taylor Swift sings, “There’s nothing I do better than revenge.” Do you think the desire for revenge is something that comes naturally to us, or do we have to learn it, or have it modeled for us?
3.Is it really possible to “do what is right in the eyes of everyone”? If not, what do you think we are being asked to do by this scripture?
4.It’s not always possible to live at peace with everyone. What is our responsibility then, as followers of Jesus?
Table Discussion Question – Can you think of a time when you chose to not retaliate against someone? Why did you choose that path? How do you feel about having chosen it, now?