“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.” [Romans 12:17-19 NLT]

Ever been wronged? Ever been unjustly accused? Has someone ever hurt you deeply and left wounds that take years to heal, if they ever do? I doubt we can make it through life without experiencing some of that. My immediate reaction is “Pay Back!”

How many books are written and movies made with the theme of extracting revenge on everyone that committed wrongs. The good guy always gets the bad guy and makes him pay. That, however, is not the theme of this passage. In fact, this passage wouldn’t sell books or movies in our society.

God’s way is not for us to repay evil for evil. There is no doubt about the fact that in this life we often are the target of evil, we often are on the receiving end of hurt and the consequences of the actions of others. Despite that, we are not to extract our pound of flesh. We are to do the exact opposite. We are exhorted to be careful to do what is right and as much as it depends on us to live at peace with everyone.

That is only possible because we trust that whatever payback needs to happen, God will do it. It is God’s place and His place alone, to assume the throne of judgment and to exact whatever punishment is just and necessary. His justice will always be clothed in righteousness, in truth, and in all knowledge. Our place is to trust Him and to focus on what is right and what brings peace.

It is not always possible to have peace, but it is our duty to make sure that we do not contribute to a lack thereof. In truth, only those who know that God will repay wrong can have the freedom to promote peace.