Overcome Evil with Good!
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
What does a Christ-follower do with widespread hatred, violence and injustice? How should a Christian react to unreserved displays of inequality, prejudice and discrimination?
Well, there’s an “EASY WAY” and there’s a “HARD WAY”! The Easy Way is simply to react with anger and resentment – to answer evil with evil, hate with hate… revenge! To arm yourself with weapons of retaliation and retribution… as the world calls it, “sweet revenge”! It might be sweet… but, Is it right? Is it righteous? Will it bring about lasting change? Does it overcome evil? Is it appropriate for the Christian? The obvious answer is “No!”… the easy way of revenge leads to more hatred and more violence and therefore more suffering!
The Hard Way, on the other hand, is really the “narrow-road”… the path that few will take and the road “less traveled”… but, it’s the path that leads to genuine, lasting change… not to mention, it pleases God as it is the “Way of Faith”. Love and Grace are the boundaries of this way! Patience and Prayer are the muscles that drive this Movement of Peace! Jesus is the model and main motivator for this way! And this road looks like this:
Listen Lovingly. Everyone’s talking (posting, commenting, opining…) and no one’s listening! In Love, let us learn to listen – even listen to those we disagree with and understand where they’re coming from. A step closer towards communication and peace.
Promote Good. Do good… to everyone! Even those that are bad! That’s the Kingdom Way – yes, the Jesus Way! There will always be injustice, inequality and strife. The harder choice is to do good in spite of the evil around you! Continue on advancing good!
Serve Humbly. Nothing takes away the sting of resentment and bitterness than going out of your way to focus on others and other people’s needs! It does not invalidate your pain and suffering – but it does “soften the blow” when the focus is not the self, but others.
Make it a great day today!
Pastor Vino Atienza
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