Giving forethought to what is good: Romans 12:17

In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes to them regarding how they ought to live out their Christian lives. For example, in the seventeenth chapter of his letter, Paul writes, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.  Respect what is right in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17 NASB). Two things are interesting in this passage. First is the Greek word translated here as “respect.” This is a compound word that literally means to “think before” or to have “forethought” towards something. This word is also written in the middle voice, which implies that the thinker is as much affected by their forethought as those upon whom they are thinking. Secondly, the Greek word translated here as “right” is actually the opposite of the Greek word translated as “evil.” This word can also be translated as “good” or even “beautiful.” Both these sentences, to never pay back evil for evil and to give forethought to what is good in the sight of all people, deal with how we perceive and behave towards others. However, the key to doing both is to give forethought to what is good and acceptable to all people. There are many themes that resonate as being good and beautiful in the hearts of people. For example, the themes of justice, mercy, sacrifice, duty, honor, and selfless love. Most, if not all, would agree that these things are important and that the one who models these themes in their life is one who leads an exemplary life. However, none of these things are guaranteed to be automatic in one’s life. Often, they require intentional consideration and a determined will to live one’s life in accordance with these ideals. Repaying evil for evil requires no forethought and is often done by impulse and reaction. However, the doing of good usually requires giving forethought to what is good and considering how one can practice that good they seek. So, my question to you is, how much time have you given to what is good, and how you can practice that good in your life? If left to chance, we may never end up practicing the good we wish to do. However, if we intentionally give it the forethought it deserves, then our will and actions will follow along, and we will find the good we desire being accomplished in our lives.

David Robison