Read & explore together
Forgiveness
Romans 12:14–21 teaches a striking way to respond when people hurt us. Instead of revenge or pride, this passage calls for blessing, shared compassion, peace, and active goodness even towards an enemy.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This part of Romans is written as direct teaching. In these verses, the writer gives a series of commands about relationships: how to treat persecutors, how to share joy and sorrow, how to avoid pride, and how to respond to evil without taking revenge.
Romans 12:14–21Main takeaway
This passage teaches readers to resist evil by choosing peace, humility, and practical good instead of revenge.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Blessing instead of cursingThe first command is very direct: "Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse."
Explanation
The first command is very direct: "Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse." Persecution means being attacked or mistreated. The passage does not deny that wrong has happened, but it tells the reader not to answer that wrong with spoken harm.
02Share life with others humblyThe next verses move from enemies to everyday relationships. Rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep shows real care.
Explanation
The next verses move from enemies to everyday relationships. Rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep shows real care. Being of the same mind, refusing pride, and associating with the humble all point to relationships shaped by humility rather than self-importance.
03Do not repay evilVerses 17–18 forbid payback: "Repay no one evil for evil." Instead, the reader is to respect what is honourable and, where possible, seek peace with all.
Explanation
Verses 17–18 forbid payback: "Repay no one evil for evil." Instead, the reader is to respect what is honourable and, where possible, seek peace with all. The line "as much as it is up to you" recognises that peace involves others too, while still giving personal responsibility.
04Leave revenge to God and do goodThe passage then says, "Don’t seek revenge yourselves," because vengeance belongs to the Lord.
Explanation
The passage then says, "Don’t seek revenge yourselves," because vengeance belongs to the Lord. In place of revenge, it gives practical actions: feed a hungry enemy and give drink to a thirsty one. The final command sums it up: do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does Romans 12:14 tell us to do when someone persecutes us?
Look closely at the repeated word "bless" and the opposite action that is forbidden.
02Which commands in Romans 12:15–16 show humility in relationships?
Notice the actions of sharing joy and sorrow, being of the same mind, and not being wise in your own conceits.
03According to Romans 12:19–21, how are we to answer evil?
Trace the movement from not seeking revenge, to caring for an enemy’s needs, to the final command about overcoming evil with good.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Romans 12:14–21
14Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.
15Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.
17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
18If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
19Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
20Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.