Forbearance and Mercy

In the final verses of Romans 12, Paul continues to exhort his readers to pursue peace. He mentions two attitudes/activities that are very conducive to peace. But he also brings in a bit of theological background that can prove helpful to us as we struggle for peace.

First, in verse 20, Paul commands forbearance. Yes, this is a clear-cut command: “Do not avenge yourselves.” Christians simply must not engage in retribution; as Jesus said, we are to turn the other cheek. Instead, Paul exhorts us to “give place to wrath.” Commentators have found this phrase difficult to interpret, for it is unclear whose wrath Paul has in view. Some say he is speaking of the enemy’s wrath and is urging believers to simply let him vent his fury. But others, noting the context of the remainder of this verse, believe Paul must be speaking of the wrath of God. If this is the case, as seems likely, he must be saying that Christians should not engage their wrath when they are wronged but should leave the matter up to God, letting Him handle it in His wrath in His time. Paul even quotes God’s own assumption of the right to take vengeance (Deut. 32:35). Simply put, when we suffer a wrong, we are to trust God to set it right. No, this is not an easy course to follow, especially when we are filled with anger over a wrong we have suffered. But looking to the Holy Spirit for assistance, we must train ourselves to walk in this righteous way. “It is only a person who sees beyond the now and is willing to trust God to establish justice and mete out punishments and awards hereafter who can be forbearing and hence be a peacemaker,” Dr. James M. Boice writes.

Second, Paul tells us to show mercy to our enemies. Quoting Proverbs 25:21–22, he urges his readers to meet the physical needs of their enemies. The verse indicates that by doing this, Christians “will heap coals of fire” on their enemies’ heads. Is Paul therefore calling on believers to be merciful in order to increase their enemies’ eternal torment? More likely, according to Boice, Paul is suggesting that mercy is a powerful means of breaking an enemy’s hate and spite; it is more than he can bear. As such, it will bring peace.

This is the way to overcome evil, Paul writes. Returning evil for evil will only bring further retribution. But forbearing with and showing mercy to an enemy can break the cycle of hate and bring peace at last.