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Overcoming Evil with Good in Romans 12
Overcoming evil with good begins with trusting the God who judges justly. In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins examines Romans 12:19–21 and explains how Christians can respond to wrongdoing without allowing vengeance, bitterness, or hatred to govern their hearts.Paul’s command does not require believers to ignore evil or abandon appropriate boundaries and accountability. It calls us to surrender personal vengeance to the Lord while actively pursuing what is good. Through Christ’s example and the mercy of the gospel, we learn to seek justice and remain faithful in our response.Listen or WatchOvercoming Evil with Good in Romans 12Romans 12 describes the transformed life of those who belong to Jesus Christ. Christians are called to love sincerely, abhor evil, hold fast to what is good, and bless those who persecute them. Paul brings these instructions together in the command to overcome evil with good.Someone else’s sin must not determine our obedience to Christ. When we respond to slander with slander or cruelty with cruelty, the wrongdoing committed against us begins shaping our own conduct.Trusting God’s JusticeRefusing personal vengeance does not mean ignoring crime, abandoning church discipline, or removing every consequence of sin. Christians can report wrongdoing, seek help, and establish wise boundaries while refusing a sinful desire to make another person suffer.God sees every injustice. His perfect judgment frees believers to pursue what is right without becoming consumed by revenge.Following Christ’s ExampleWhen Jesus suffered, He did not respond with sinful retaliation. He entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly. His example directs our conduct, and His saving work provides the foundation for a life of mercy.Through His death and resurrection, Christ reconciles sinners to God. Because we have received mercy in Him, we can show mercy to others.Putting the Word into Practice- Resist the immediate impulse to retaliate.
- Bring your anger and hurt before the Lord.
- Trust God’s knowledge and perfect justice.
- Seek opportunities to do good.
- Guard your heart against bitterness.
- Seek appropriate help, accountability, and protection when needed.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
