Overcoming Evil With Good

-September 29, 2023-

Good morning, happy Friday,

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

(Romans 12:21).

Today’s verse is the conclusion of the passage of Romans 12:17-21. Paul addresses the subject of how to treat our enemies and those who hurt us and wrong us. The world exacts revenge, retaliation, and vengeance; on the other hand we are taught from God’s Word the complete opposite: to love our enemies, pray for them, do good to them, and forgive them.

It is not an easy thing to do, in fact, it is impossible without the Lord Jesus. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” If it weren’t possible, our Savior would not have told us to do it. He set the example for us to follow.

Paul mentions four important ways to overcome evil with good: have regard for good things in the sight of all men (v. 17); live peaceably with all men (v. 18); do not avenge yourselves (v. 19); and give food and drink to enemies in need (v. 20). He then says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

We would all agree there is plenty of evil in the world. Our old nature wants to fight back, to hurt others as they hurt us or even more, and hold grudges. None of these responses are right in God’s sight and only make situations worse. Love, God’s love, must rule the day.

There are times when the Lord tests us to see how we react under stress and pressure. When Jesus hung on the cross, He said in Luke 23:49, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.” Stephen when they stoned him uttered a similar sentiment, “…Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:60).

There is a story attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi that illustrates our message today. One day a little boy was playing in his neighborhood. He discovered that there was an echo when he shouted. It was his first experience with an echo, so he decided to experiment. He shouted, “I hate you,” and the words bounced back, “I hate you.” This he did three times, shouting ever louder and more vehemently. He ran back to his house, sobbing uncontrollably. His mother asked him, “What’s the matter, dear? He answered, “There’s a little boy who hates me.” She thought for a moment, then told him, “You go outside and tell the little boy that you love him.” So immediately he ran outside and called out, “I love you in a clear and gentle tone. Sure enough the words came back, “I love you. This he also did three times. People today are shouting, “I hate you to countries, individuals, political opponents, and others. We need to be those who counter this awful trend, by saying, “I love you,” and showing Christ’s love in action.

Let us love, not hate, pray not argue, do good not evil, and thus overcome evil with good. When we do this it is like pouring hot coals of conviction on those who wrong us and pointing them to Christ.

Have a blessed day of overcoming evil with good. Stay safe and healthy.

Let good overcome evil each day that we live, for in Jesus’ name we love and forgive,

Dean