Romans 12:17-21
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
–Verse 21 is all about passive choices versus active choices. Passive choices involve what happens when we do nothing while active choices involve what happens when we do something. Being overcome with evil is a passive choice. If we choose to do nothing, we will sink into evil and our life will reflect that. Overcoming evil with good is an active choice. We can’t just sit back and expect it to happen, it requires effort on our part. Serving the Lord is never an accident, it requires intention and diligence.
