Overcome evil with good

Romans: The Gospel for God’s glory
Romans 12:17-21
Overcome evil with good
Overcome evil with good by not avenging yourself but leaving it to God

Romans 12:17–21 (ESV) — 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.

1) Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all, 12:17.
Can there be a difference between wanting to repay evil for evil desiring justice? Describe the difference. How does giving thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all help us not to repay evil for evil?

2) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all, 12:18.
Does Paul mean Christians should never speak or live their convictions if it mighty create controversy? If not, what does he mean? Though we are to live peaceably with all as fara a s we can, why is it not always possible? (John 15:18-20).

3) 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”, 12:19.
Why should we not avenge ourselves? What does it mean to leave vengeance to the wrath of God?

4) 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”, 12:20.
Paul says rather than avenging ourselves, we are to do acts of kindness for our enemies. The image of burning coals on the head means judgment. Does Paul mean we intentionally aim to increase God’s wrath toward those who wrong us by doing god to them? If not, what does Paul mean (compare v. 14).

5) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good, 12:21.
What has Christ done for us that we can trust that God is overcoming evil with good and will finally overcome all evil with good? How does this truth help us overcome evil with good? Are we ever forced to repay evil for evil? Why not? What are examples of overcoming evil with good?