Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
A lot of the advice in these verses feels impossible: Do what is right in the eyes of everyone? Impossible. Live in peace with everyone? Unfeasible. Not only that, but I feel like if you try to please everyone, you are only setting yourself up for failure.
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
God doesn’t want to set us up for failure, so what is the intent of these verses? I think it is to help us focus on the best of what’s possible. We will never do what’s right in the eyes of everyone, but if we live life with that intent–doing what’s right, always–much good will come from that. If we try to sew peace instead of discord on a daily basis, much good will come from that, too.
Romans 12:19a Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:
Precious Savior, Sometimes I feel mean and small and contentious. I don’t like that side of myself. Help me to adjust my attitude to try to live in peace with everyone (as far as it depends on me). Help me to do what’s right in Your eyes. Help me to live for You and not myself. Amen.
Romans 12:19b …“It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Have a blessed day.