Paul knew what it was like to experience evil. He received false accusations from other "Christians" (eg the super-apostles of 2 Corinthians), the beatings and imprisonments, often as a result of Jewish opponents. So when we read this instruction from Paul we need to remember it is not from someone who had never really suffered in life, but from someone who knew exactly what he was talking about.
We are to do what is right. Now this does not mean we will not be criticised or worse, for there are occasions when it doesn't matter what we do, someone will find fault. Also, we need to remember that Paul was sometimes robust in his responses to attack, as we read in Acts. However, we do not needlessly offend people, the gospel is offensive and challenging enough, if truly presented, without us adding to it!
We must not take revenge. God is the one who will judge. He knows exactly what is right, and the right time to execute judgement. Sometimes it will be in this life, on other occasions it will not be until the final judgement.
We overcome evil with good. Indeed, this will often be more effective. In verse 20 Paul quotes from Proverbs 25:21,22. A couple of comments on this. First it shows that "loving your enemies" was not a new concept introduced by Jesus, it was already in the Old Testament. Secondly, the comment on "heap burning coals" makes it read just like a clever way of getting revenge! This is not the way to take it. Hopefully the burning coals will bring the person to their senses.
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