Romans 12:17-21
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This scripture goes against everything we naturally feel. When we are bullied by someone, our natural instinct is to get even and make that person pay for picking on us. The idea of overcoming evil with good, can leave us feeling confused. It requires us to step out in faith through obedience. The flesh often goes against faith and that is why responding to darkness with light is so difficult in the moment. Let’s not let evil rule us and play on the enemy’s home turf. Instead, we can choose to be on the God’s home field of light.
Matthew 5:43-44
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Our flesh wants to become what we hate. We want to hate the haters. That only leads to an ongoing cycle of anger, bitterness, and hate. Jesus didn’t hate those who hated Him, He died for them. Since we serve a suffering Savior, it makes sense that we will experience our share of suffering.
When we take a step of faith and overcome evil with good, it will make our witness for Jesus powerful to the people in our lives.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these scriptures?
