Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” NIV. I love this verse, because it embodies the core message of the gospel. We have already been overcome by evil. At least before we are saved. It is blindness to this truth that keeps people in trouble. Most would say, I mess up a little, but I am not really that bad. Jesus told the Pharisees that because they thought they were good, they remained in their blind need.
How does a Christian become over run by evil? Primarily it comes through unresolved hurt and lack of response to a perceived injustice. The first sends one down the path of bitterness and unforgiveness. The second leads to anger and rebellion. Both are destructive.
But the greatest part is that through Christ we have the ability to change the impact of evil. Choosing to do the opposite of what the world expects is awesome. The world expects us to not forgive, they expect us to get even, they expect us to respond in anger. It makes no worldly sense to forgive and release a debt. But Jesus loves it when we choose to bless instead of curse
Let’s Pray
Father, I want to thank you for the many things I learned as I prayed your word in Romans 12 verse by verse. Your word gives a deep satisfaction in my spirit man like the sensation of being full after a great meal. Except, there is an immediate desire for more.
Father, I can tell when evil is crouching at my door, I am short with my family and I become critical of others. That is not what I want…so please forgive me.
Help me to find so many ways to surprise others with kindness. Not because I think I am better and they need help. Just because it is fun to be kind. Taking a buggy in from the parking lot, Smiling at the cashier and calling them by name, sending an anonymous note to a coworker with a lunch gift card are just some ways that are fun to bless others.
Thank you Father, when others have been kind to me, both with money and prayers.
I pray all of these things in Jesus Name, Amen.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” NIV. I love this verse, because it embodies the core message of the gospel. We have already been overcome by evil. At least before we are saved. It is blindness to this truth that keeps people in trouble. Most would say, I mess up a little, but I am not really that bad. Jesus told the Pharisees that because they thought they were good, they remained in their blind need.
How does a Christian become over run by evil? Primarily it comes through unresolved hurt and lack of response to a perceived injustice. The first sends one down the path of bitterness and unforgiveness. The second leads to anger and rebellion. Both are destructive.
But the greatest part is that through Christ we have the ability to change the impact of evil. Choosing to do the opposite of what the world expects is awesome. The world expects us to not forgive, they expect us to get even, they expect us to respond in anger. It makes no worldly sense to forgive and release a debt. But Jesus loves it when we choose to bless instead of curse
Let’s Pray
Father, I want to thank you for the many things I learned as I prayed your word in Romans 12 verse by verse. Your word gives a deep satisfaction in my spirit man like the sensation of being full after a great meal. Except, there is an immediate desire for more.
Father, I can tell when evil is crouching at my door, I am short with my family and I become critical of others. That is not what I want…so please forgive me.
Help me to find so many ways to surprise others with kindness. Not because I think I am better and they need help. Just because it is fun to be kind. Taking a buggy in from the parking lot, Smiling at the cashier and calling them by name, sending an anonymous note to a coworker with a lunch gift card are just some ways that are fun to bless others.
Thank you Father, when others have been kind to me, both with money and prayers.
I pray all of these things in Jesus Name, Amen.
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