What is the meaning of Romans 12:17?

Do not repay anyone evil for evil

Romans 12:17a: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”

• The command is absolute—“anyone” leaves no loopholes. Jesus sets the same bar in Matthew 5:38-39, urging His followers to turn the other cheek rather than strike back.

• Retaliation belongs to our old nature; restraint reveals the new nature we received in Christ (Galatians 2:20).

• God forbids vengeance because He reserves justice for Himself (Romans 12:19). Refusing to repay evil is an act of faith, trusting that the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25).

• When we refuse retaliation we mirror the Savior, “who when He was maligned, He did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23).

• Practically this means:

– No cutting words when you are insulted (Ephesians 4:29).

– No plotting payback when wronged (Proverbs 20:22: “Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.”).

– Choosing to bless instead: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).

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Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody

Romans 12:17b: “Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.”

• “Carefully consider” calls for deliberate thought, not knee-jerk reaction. We weigh our responses prayerfully and thoughtfully (James 1:19).

• “What is right” speaks of actions that are objectively honorable. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 8:21: “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.”

• While ultimate allegiance is to God (Acts 5:29), believers seek to live so uprightly that even critics are forced to acknowledge it (1 Peter 2:12).

• Practical applications:

– Before speaking or acting, ask, “Will this honor Christ and uphold a credible witness?” (Colossians 4:5-6).

– Keep financial dealings transparent; Paul handled church funds openly for this very reason (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).

– Show courtesy and respect to authorities and neighbors alike (Titus 3:1-2; Romans 13:7).

– Let your light shine through tangible good works so others “may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

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summary

God forbids retaliation and calls believers to a higher road: refuse payback and instead pursue universally recognized goodness. Trusting the Lord to settle accounts frees us to respond with grace, maintain a blameless testimony, and reflect Christ before a watching world.