If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
Christians are called to love everyone, but Paul is experienced enough to know that sometimes our love doesn’t always get returned. That’s why he says, “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” You only have influence over half a relationship. The other half is out of your control. Pursue peace as far as you can, but realize that there are some situations where peace will never be possible.
That’s when we have no choice but to leave the situation in God’s hands: “Do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord” (12:19). God will punish every evil act. Either he’ll punish the person who committed it, or if that person is a believer, he’ll put that punishment on Jesus.
Don’t worry. Justice will be served. So you’re free to keep working “overcome evil with good” (12:21). As Paul says, ”If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink” (12:20). If your boss refuses to acknowledge your hard work, don’t start putting in less effort. Look for ways you can bless him by working even harder! If your landlord refuses to fix things in your apartment, don’t just let the place go to pot. Look for ways you can bless him by fixing up the apartment yourself (with his permission)!
Overcome evil with good. Keep serving people who mistreat you. Pray for them to be saved. Because that’s exactly what Jesus prayed for the people who were nailing him to a cross: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”