October 27, 2015

“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:18-21

“What a powerful, concise exhortation this is! In just a few words, Paul sums up the mission of Christian living. First, be not overcome of evil! There are a thousand different ways in which Satan seeks to tear down our Christian testimony. It may be a temptation to sexual sin, or a tendency toward despair, or a disposition toward anger, or a longing for personal advancement or recognition. But for all the temptations that may come our way, the remedy is the same, simple command: do not allow evil to overcome you. Stand fast in the Lord and in the power of his strength. Do not give in; do not be puffed up; do not allow your pride or lust or pain to overwhelm you. And, second, overcome evil with good. The Christian’s posture is not a defensive one. We are to be over comers, not merely survivors. Not only are we not to give up in fighting sin, we are to counteract the sin in the world by our good lives and conduct. We are to overcome evil.

How can we do that? Not by fighting fire with fire, but rather by overcoming evil with good. There is no other way to successfully battle evil in the world. The goodness of our Savior must be reflected in the good words and works of his people. The more his goodness is displayed, the more sin loses its strength and subtlety. Don’t be overcome by sin; rather, overcome sin with the goodness of God.” (Facing Temptation, BBH devotions, September 22, 2015)

Overcome evil with good. I have faced evil in my day. I have looked into the face of someone who seemed possessed by something evil, and I have found that the only thing that holds back evil is good. We are so quick sometimes to react to evil with evil — but that only gives evil the upper hand — because evil now has you in its grips. But evil does not know what to do with good. Evil hates good. And I have seen it in action. When confronted with good, evil people just seem to implode. But they will come back to strike when they get the chance to regroup.

The question on your mind of course is “How?” What I have found is that when you keep your eyes on the good, the good inside you that emanates from Jesus, then you will find the strength to let the evil words that they throw your way just glance off. All of the accusations, the vitriol, the hate will not stick. And this is what allows you to maintain your cool and not fall into an exchange of evil for evil. Fight the evil with good – and evil will not know what to do. No, it may not happen immediately, but stand firm in the Lord. Let the Holy Spirit lead you – and the Lord will give you the words.

Pastor Dave