Overcome Evil with Good

Jesus Is Lord
Exalting Christ
Jesus' Humility and Exaltation

Romans 12:14-21

The Message (MSG)

^14-16 Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.
^17-19 Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
^20-21 Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

For Reflection

How often are we tempted to wipe out that which we consider evil?  How much time have we spent in enforcing prohibitions?  It seems that in spite of the fact that prohibitions are expensive and difficult to control, we keep using the same hammer over and over.

What do we offer as an alternative?  How often do we consider offering blessings rather than withholding them? Love is attractive. Hospitality is the medium.  Reject eye for and eye punishment.  Embrace the unexpected, non-judgmental, reinforcement of good and let God wipe away the evil.

Pray

that you will realize the power of rejecting negative responses in favor of reinforcing ones.  Pray that you will see beyond the evil deed and in humility, offer reconciliation and love.