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Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n We should be benevolently proactive, not selfishly reactive.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201crepay<\/span>\u201d is apodidomi<\/em><\/span>, which is a compound word made up of apo<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cfrom\u201d or \u201caway from\u201d and did\u014dmi<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto give.\u201d Hence apodid\u014dmi<\/em> <\/span>means \u201cto give away\u201d of \u201cto deliver up.\u201d In the current context it can certainly be interpreted as \u201crepay,\u201d although it does not imply repayment of something owed.<\/p>\n \u201cEvil<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek word kakos<\/em><\/span>, referring to \u201cthat which is worthless in and of itself.\u201d It does not refer to a bad effect (that would be the word pon\u0113ros<\/em><\/span>) but to an intrinsic worthlessness. Thus, kakos<\/em> <\/span>usually refers to an evil thing or an evil action.<\/p>\n The words \u201cHave regard<\/span>\u201d are translated from pronoe\u014d<\/em><\/span>. This is made up of pro<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cbefore, in place or time\u201d and noe\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which refers to \u201caction of the mind (to think, perceive, or consider).\u201d Thus, we see that pronoe\u014d<\/em> <\/span>means \u201cto consider in advance, to plan ahead, or to premeditate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood<\/span>\u201d is from kalos<\/em><\/span>, which refers to \u201cthat which is good in quality or character.\u201d It is often translated as \u201cbeautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n In this verse Paul contrasts two thoughts. Do you see what they are? He says,<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be reactive and respond with evil acts when evil acts are done to you. Instead, be proactive and consider ahead of time what good things you are going to do for others.<\/p>\n When someone does something to us that is unkind, offensive, hurtful, or just downright mean, our first reaction is to respond in kind and \u201cget even.\u201d I\u2019m sure we\u2019ve all heard the expression, \u201cI don\u2019t get mad \u2013 I get even.\u201d That\u2019s precisely what Paul is telling us not<\/strong> to do. Don\u2019t allow your sin nature to control your actions. That\u2019s the result of our \u201cflesh\u201d which Paul was talking about back in chapter 8 when he said:<\/p>\n For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those <\/span>who live<\/em><\/span> according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded<\/span> is<\/em> <\/span>death, but to be spiritually minded<\/span> is<\/em> <\/span>life and peace. Because the carnal mind<\/span> is<\/em> <\/span>enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. <\/span>(Romans 8:5-8<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n We should not behave like the unsaved do. They are slaves to their flesh and have no choice but to obey it because they are spiritually dead. But we have been set free from the bondage of our flesh and are now spiritually alive. We have a choice and that choice should always be to do good, not evil.<\/p>\n Do you want to please God? If so, then you need to let His Spirit control your thoughts and actions, not your own flesh. Your choices are to please yourself or to please God. Which will it be?<\/p>\n \u201cOuch! That makes my own toes hurt!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.ministryofgrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/06\/Signature1.gif\" "\\"Will\\"")
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