Revenge

This weekend I am preaching in church on Romans 12:17-21. It's kicking my butt! I want revenge in some way, shape or form on those who hurt me. But this passage commands me to not only lay aside all thoughts of needing revenge, but it calls me to love. To love so much that those who have wronged me are convicted of their need for Jesus and repent. That's a lot of love, and most days I probably don't do that real well. But that is the greatness of Jesus and his love, it can do that.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"^[d]says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."^[e] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.