Paul suffered like no other New Testament saint had. “In stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned … Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?” (2 Cor. 11:23–25, 29). Languishing in a Roman prison, he wrote Timothy to warn him of Alexander the coppersmith. Paul was too occupied with Christ, and in ministering Christ, to waste his energies on those who hurt him. He was content to leave things in the Lord’s hands. As to his Jewish brethren in the flesh, from whom he had suffered the most, he wrote, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved” (Rom. 10:1).

To those of us who have been wounded by others, he writes, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse … Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:14, 17–21).

When we respond by returning kindness for meanness, and good for evil, it is like “heaping coals of fire” on that person’s head. It will either result in further hardening of heart or a deep feeling of sorrow for wrongdoing. The latter is most often the result.