Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:17-21
Overcome evil with good. As I prayed about how to apply this scripture, I realized that God calls us to treat every person––regardless of who they are and what they’ve done––with dignity and kindness. This included Anthony, the man who murdered my dad.
It became increasingly clear that if I were to have any impact on Anthony for good throughout my correspondence with him, I would have to live out this scripture. Though it was immensely difficult, I chose kindness above my feelings, and I began to understand a bit more about how to love my enemy.
{We are to treat every person with the dignity, for all men are created in the likeness and image of God.}
Do you have difficulty treating others with dignity (especially those who have harmed you or someone you love)?
Leave a comment!
If you’re interested in reading some of my earlier posts related to my journey toward forgiving and loving my enemy, click on the links below.
Bounty Through Obedience
{Forgiveness} But I’ve Already Done That
{Forgiveness} Why We Forgive – Part 1
{Forgiveness} Why We Forgive – Part 2
{Love Your Enemy} The Letter
{Love Your Enemy} Pray Like the Dickens!
{Love Your Enemy} When the Path is Unclear
I really have a problem with this. There are probably 3 people in this world that I really struggle w/ this about, 2 of them, I have nothing to do with, their not part of my life anymore. However the other is my mother, Im working and praying hard on it, for so long I was stuck in a rut w/ her, i wanted her to REALLY be sorry for everything shes done to me, I wanted her to WANT forgiveness, ask for it, I wanted her to meet me half way….none of the above happen. So, with prayer, I see now I need to move forward differently.
I thank God that He’s bringing you to this place! What a blessing to know the One who is faithful to bring us the healing that we need through forgiveness. Keep seeking Him in forgiveness, and He will show you how in His perfect timing… Blessings, my dear sister!
Treating those who have hurt us with respect is I think very important even when that person does not afford us the same. I have for many years treated someone with respect when they have spoken about myself in very mean ways and for a better word blackened my name and turned people away from me. However I think this is God’s way as you say to treat others no matter what with dignity.
Laurie I think your blog is so helpful so I have paid it forward to you some blog awards. Please check it out at my blog if you so wish . 🙂
Blessings to you.
Thank you!! That is so thoughtful of you! I’ll check it out 🙂