“… overcome evil with good.”
What?!!! Overcome the wrongs done to me with good?
Why?!!! Why would anyone do that?!!! Because God says so.
(NASB) Romans 12:17-21 “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.
20 ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
One example, from many in Scripture, is the real life story of Dinah. Her father, Jacob, did not fully obey God; he did not travel on to where God wanted him to live. He chose to live among people who did not know, worship or believe in the living God. His daughter, Dinah was raped by one of those men.
Her brothers, without consulting with their father, Jacob, or go to God seeking His will, murdered that man and all the men in the town. They exacted their revenge for their sister’s shame.
(Genesis 34:1-31)Not one time in this sad history is the Lord God mentioned, not once. Were they still God’s people? Yes, they were. Did the Lord work in their lives and bring them into a growing faith in Himself? Yes, He did.
When bad things happen do I seek revenge and retaliate for the wrongs done to me or my loved ones? Or do I turn to God and trust Him to work His will in the situation?
We are to wait on God and His directions for us.
~ Take it to heart ~
(NASB) Romans 12:19-21 “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.
20 ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
We are to overcome evil with good!
God says so.