Overcoming Evil

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21 NIV

Yesterday's devotion was about putting on the whole armor of God to be prepared for what comes. Today's verse also talks about being ready to respond, primed to overcome evil with good. We need to be equipped to protect ourselves defensively from attack and offensively prepared to do good at all times.

In the previous verse, Paul quotes from Proverbs 25:21:22, “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.” Jesus echoed this in his teachings, and as his disciples, we need to follow his example. Do good all the time to everyone, friend and foe.

Of course, this is not easy. The worldly part of us wants to dump actual burning coals on our enemy's heads. We want revenge! However, we are called to be better, and we can be through the help of the Holy Spirit. In acting with good at all times, we witness Christ within us, his light overcoming the dark.

Almighty and compassionate God, we give you thanks for all the good you show to us. Even when we act in opposition to your will, you show us, your grace. We confess it is sometimes hard for us to respond to evil with good. Please forgive us those times and help us be more like Christ so that all our actions shine your light onto the darkness. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim