Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Meditation: In this world, we will always face evil and selfishness. Jesus didn’t promise to remove the trials and tribulations of the world, but He did promise to be with us and guide us through anything we will experience. We are going to experience selfish and poor behavior in the workplace, at church and in our own homes. It is a part of this fallen depraved world. The question is, how will we respond?
It is natural to respond to wrong done to us by seeking justice – to make that person pay for their wrong doing. Even though it is natural, it is a wrong response. Responding to evil with love and compassion is one of the most basic tenants of the Christian faith. Jesus left the adulation and worship He deserved in Heaven to come to earth and receive reviling, accusations and slander. He went to the cross for us without a word of retaliation when He had every right to call down the fire of Heaven upon his accusers. Yet, we become indignant when someone says a cross word to us or cuts us off in traffic. We seek not justice but revenge for the wrong done to us. Brothers, this should not be so. We must reject the natural response.
A Godly man will respond to evil with good. We cannot accept any excuses from ourselves or other Christians around us. There is nothing on this planet that can make us respond poorly to whatever we receive, except our own poor choices. God will give us the power to overcome evil with good, if we will submit to Him and rely on Him. We need to quit seeking revenge, justice or anything else to make us feel better about being wronged. It’s going to happen, often coming from those we love the most. Jesus’ response is to love those who do wrong and even to give His life for them. We need to die to self, submit to God and seek to do good in every situation we experience.
Challenge: How do you respond when you are wronged? Do you respond with God’s love? Or do you seek justice or even revenge? Seek to do good even when you are unjustly accused or reviled. Love others even when they are unlovable.
Thought for the Day: Lord, help me to overcome wrong done to me with Your goodness and love.
Chris Garner
Used by permission – Fortified Marriages.