Overcome Evil with Good
“Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
Romans 12 is a wonderful chapter on Christian conduct in a broken world, and verse 21 gives a summary statement that despite great problems all around us, Christians should not be overcome by evil, but we should have confidence that we can overcome evil with good.
Christians are called upon by God to make a difference. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Ever since the temptation of Adam and Eve there has been ongoing tension in the world between evil and good. But good can overcome evil by showing the love of God in the face of hatred and opposition. Romans 12:19-20 says, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
What can evil say to good when the followers of Christ show love in the face of hatred; when we show forgiveness in the face of persecution; when we show humility in the face of pride, when we show grace in the face of hostility and tolerance in the face of rejection and ridicule.
Evil will not prevail. Good will win because God is the author of all that is good, and he calls on us to partner with him in resisting what is evil and promoting what is good.
What can you do today to overcome evil with good?
Having begun as a guest speaker in 2005, Dan was appointed Interim Pastor in 2008 and has been serving Maple Root Baptist ever since. As a small group leader and Chaplin for the Connecticut Tigers, Dan has a heart for the lost and the God that saves them.