When we are wronged, the instinct is clear: return the blow. But Paul sees what instinct does not — to repay evil for evil is to be overcome by it. The other hurt you once; by retaliating, you let him change you.
“Do not be overcome by evil.” It is a matter of victory, not only of morality. Evil wins when it makes you resemble it.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
The only response that truly disarms is a good where revenge was expected. It disconcerts, it opens a breach, it sometimes leaves the door of repentance ajar.
This is not weakness — it takes far more strength to bless than to strike back. It is the strength of the One who, nailed to the cross, prayed for his executioners.