Audio commentary on this verse

Note 11 at Rom. 12:17: There is an unwritten but widely understood code in human relations that says we should treat people the way they treat us. Jesus taught just the opposite (see note 1 at Lk. 23:34, p. 534) and Paul is reaffirming that same teaching. If we are to be Christlike, then we cannot give people what they deserve.

Note 12 at Rom. 12:17: It is not enough to just be honest in the sight of God. This scripture commands us to also have integrity in the sight of man. This corresponds to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Th. 5:22). We not only need to be right, but we need to appear right as much as possible.