In Romans 12, Paul has gotten to the application section of his epistle, and what he addresses is how we appear and interact as God's people in an antagonistic and fallen world. We are to think, speak, act, and react differently. Thinking about our responses and reactions, he says in verse
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 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.” 20 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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Here Paul addresses how we treat everyone: fellow believers, people we are associated with, and especially our enemies in the flesh. What we need to keep straight is the distinction between our physical enemies and our spiritual enemies. Our spiritual enemies are in the heavenlies, in unseen places, and are to be dealt with according to passages like Ephesians 6. Our physical enemies could be in the next country, in our government, in our neighborhood, or even our own homes. How do we respond to them/react to them? Is it with retaliation? Bitterness? Revenge? Spiritual victory does not come when we act in unspiritual ways toward others. It goes back to the opening challenge in Romans 12:1: a renewed mind: changing the way we think about others, and a transformed life: responding to others as Christ did.
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