If anyone has ever hurt you, I trust you'll agree when I say that what Paul commands his readers to do in this passage is impossible without the Holy Spirit working in us.Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. But
If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For in so doing
you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.
Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Remember that forgiveness is: (1) a decision made in a moment in time, (2) a process whereby our emotions are aligned with that decision (often very gradually), and (3) a work perfected and completed by the Spirit's power in us.
Let us consider the amazing forgiveness God offered us through Christ's death and resurrection and thus be moved to forgive others, though it may be a length and uncomfortable process.