THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 12:17-21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Paul began this section reminding us of God’s mercy.
Jesus is the living embodiment of God’s mercy.
He did not overcome our evil with anger, judgment, or harshness… but with good.
We make the mistake of responding to evil with evil.
We yell at those who yell at us, and hate those who hate us.
We gossip about those who bad mouth us, we seek ways to hurt those who hurt us.
If God had done this, we would be doomed.
“In view of God’s mercy (v.1)”… “overcome evil with good (v.21).”
If only someone would tell the world that guns and bombs cannot end violence.
Actually, that would be our job as Jesus-followers.
We need to share and show the world the good news of Jesus, how He overcame evil with good.
And we need to model it, to become a radical alternative in a world of hate, anger, revenge.
Living like this is NOT easy, but it is good, and it is what our world needs.
Look in your own home, or office, or community; where is evil at work.
How could the Lord be prompting me to respond differently, with good?
This is how He is building God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.
Will we join with Him?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, our world is messed up by sin, and I was too until You rescued me. Help me to live like I’ve been rescued, and turn the tide on evil by filling it with good.