“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Romans 12:17
May 1, 2023
We live in a world where evil is to be overcome. The premise is not that our physical environment will be the death of us, but that our spiritual environment is what is killing us, if we let it. The human race is on the war path against God. Sin, death, and suffering take a toll on us that the human mind is incapable of fathoming. The good news is that evil can be overcome. It is to be hated (Rom. 12:9). It is not to be repaid (Rom. 12:17). God enables those who come to faith in Jesus Christ to overcome evil by bringing forth good (Rom. 8:22, 28; Jn. 16:33). Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” God will ultimately bring His children to His eternal kingdom in which there will be no evil (Rev. 21:4). In the mean time, revenge is woven tightly into human history and like a lion in the underbrush, it is waiting to pounce and devour those who have hurt us. Ask God for the wisdom that is from above and pursue peace. “Pay-back” is not the way to defeat evil. It only adds more evil. Revenge is thinking more highly of oneself than one ought to think (Rom. 12:3). Perhaps some form of revenge is festering in your own soul. Kill it with the insecticide of forgiveness and love.
H
“Gracious Lord, make me ever more careful not to bring an unfavorable reflection on the gospel and the good name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach me how to be a peacemaker.”