30 April, 2023

OVERCOMING EVIL WITH GOOD

(Christian Living 22)

Paul exhorted the Christians thus: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom.12:21). Evil comes from the evil one (Satan) and he uses people to do harm and cause havoc. This is evil doing. We are not to be overcome by evil of any kind but to overcome with good which comes from God, for God is Good. Goodness and good deeds in us show that we are “born of God” and have His nature dwelling in us.

Our Lord shows us how to overcome evil with good: “But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk 6:27-28). By doing this, we let our “light shine before men so that they may see our good works and glorify the Father in Heaven” (Mtt.5:16).

Paul told Titus to teach the Church to be zealous in doing good works. He wrote, “This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive” (Tit.3:8, 14 -NLT). Peter tells us that “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him” (Acts 10:38).

Paul exhorts us thus: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal.6:10). The priority is first to God’s own children who need help, then to others so that they may know His love and come to Jesus. That was Paul’s philosophy of doing good: “even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the Example of Christ” (1 Cor.10:33; 11:1).

The disciple Tabitha (Dorcas) followed the Lord’s Example and “was always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:37). The Lord commanded His people to bless the poor in their community. They are not to be “hardhearted“ or to be “tightfisted” but to be “openhanded” and give generously to bless and help the poor and needy in the community of God (Deut.15:7-11). There is an old saying, “Charity begins at home”. It begins with our own Family in Christ. In the ministry of our missionaries, there are many poor who have come to Christ. Shall we not be “openhanded” and give generously to bless them?

Being selfish and keeping God’s blessing only to ourselves is sinful and evil because it is wrong and disobeying the command of God. Let us overcome this evil with good by blessing others who are in need, especially those in the household of faith.

The Psalmist said, “Trust in the Lord and do good” (Psa.37:3). Let us do good to all and trust God for His favor and continual blessing in obeying His command. 

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