I’m sorry to admit that there’s something I’m good at: Anger. Bitterness. Revenge. How about you? When someone hurts me, I’m quick to think of a way to get them back. When someone says something bad about me, I’m great at thinking of the best (worst!) way to cut them down too. Are you?
That’s why it’s so good for me to hear God’s encouragement in the Bible: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Huh. That’s the opposite of me. But that’s exactly what Jesus has done for me. When I sin, Jesus isn’t quick to get me back. He’s quick to forgive. In fact, he overcame all evil by dying on the cross for me and you and our sins. It sounds upside-down, doesn’t it? It’s exactly how God works. He doesn’t seek revenge. He seeks salvation for you and me through Jesus.
So dear Christian friend, remember this: “Overcome evil with good.” You don’t fight with sarcasm or insults. You don’t fight with threats or boasts or guns. God gave us a totally different weapon that surprises even the worst enemy: It’s grace. Goodness. Forgiveness. You can’t fight fire with fire. You need something different. It’s Jesus. Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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