Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21
“For I myself have witnessed the end of those who lately harassed the worshipers of God by their impious edict. And for this abundant thanksgivings are due to God that through His excellent providence all men who observe His holy laws are gladdened by the renewed enjoyment of peace. Hence I am fully persuaded that everything is in the best and safest posture, since God is vouchsafing, through the influence of their pure and faithful religious service, and their unity of judgment respecting His divine character, to gather all men to Himself.”
Eusebius Pamphilius (263-339) in Chapter XII of Church History, Life of Constantine, Oration in Praise of Constantine, entitled “He declares that, having witnessed the Fall of the Persecutors, he now rejoices at the Peace enjoyed by the Christians.”
Eusebius saw the end of the Roman persecution of Christians and attributed this victory not to Christians winning a battle but to God’s excellent providence for the gift of peace. I’ve been moved by the hearts of my Northern Seminary students this weekend. They care deeply about faithful financial stewardship, while also desiring to be agents of “pure and faithful religious service” in a world filed with injustice.
What does this post have to do with generosity?
Eusebius uses an expression that is virtually lost in modernity. He says “since God is vouchsafing.” That literally means, “since God is giving in a gracious manner” or “since God is generous in a gracious manner.” There’s a message here for all those who are suffering today and wondering whether they should give up hope or stop trusting in God and His providence: Don’t be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good…since God is vouchsafing…
How often is God at work, but we can’t see Him? Most of the time we don’t understand His ways. Perhaps our suffering is lasting so long we feel like we can’t take it any more. We must not lose heart. Let us rely on the fact that “God is generous in a gracious manner” and give thanks that He has been gracious to us and that maybe our generosity today is to endure suffering while God extends grace to someone else. Meanwhile, we get to persist in pure and faithful religious service.