Transformed Relationships with Our Enemies
Corey Widmer on Romans 12:14-21
Fifth Sermon in the Series Transformed Relationships
Paul ends his section on the power of the gospel to transform our relationships by reflecting on our relationships with our enemies. Even before addressing how God wants us to deal with them, perhaps the first question we have to ask is, "Who are my enemies?" Who in our lives do we identify as standing in our way or against our vision of what is good? Once we know that, then we can turn to the counter-cultural way of Jesus: overcoming evil with good. By overcoming evil with good, we participate in a practice that resists the power of evil and fosters love and hope even in the worst conflict and opposition.
Romans 12: 14-21
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 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. 20 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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.