Do you ever wonder why situations often go
from bad to worse when we return evil for evil? Before the exchange takes
place, we usually assume that responding in kind will protect us. We imagine
that it will stop the other person from taking advantage of us or serve as a
deterrent against further wrongdoing. Unfortunately, the result is rarely what
we expect. Instead of bringing peace, the situation often escalates. Scripture
warns against this pattern: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with
good” (Rom. 12:21 NIV).
We are overcome by evil when we yield to
the temptation to respond to wrongdoing with more wrongdoing. A sin committed
against us opens the door for death—that is, the destructive influence of
Satan—to affect the relationship between the offender and the offended (Rom.
5:12). Sin activates destructive forces in human relationships. When the
offended person retaliates with evil, another door to that same destructive
power is opened. The result is a worsening cycle in which hostility grows and
relationships deteriorate. For this reason, evil can never truly overcome evil;
responding with evil only deepens its influence in the situation. God calls His
children to break this cycle by overcoming evil with good.
When we choose to obey God and return good
for evil, we introduce a different power into the situation—the power of life.
Every act of goodness performed in obedience to Christ releases life that
overcomes the destructive power of sin. This is why the Scripture teaches, “A
soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1
KJV). A gentle response releases life and diffuses the destructive energy
carried by anger and conflict.
The Bible also promises that righteousness
ultimately prevails: “Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and
the wicked at the gates of the righteous” (Prov. 14:19 NIV). Evil bows before
good because the authority of Christ is activated through righteousness. When
we confront evil with good, we create space for Christ to exercise His
authority over the situation. As the book of Hebrews declares concerning Jesus,
“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the
scepter of your kingdom” (Heb. 1:8 NIV). When we obey Christ and return good
for evil, His power works in that situation, overcoming the influence of
darkness—much like Moses’ rod swallowed up the rods of the magicians.
Choosing to see situations from God’s
perspective and obey Him rather than reacting according to our natural impulses
always leads to life and peace. Scripture reminds us: “For to be carnally
minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6
KJV).
Let us therefore go out and overcome evil
with good—in our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, churches, cities, and
nation—through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us become the change we desire
to see in the world. May you be renewed and empowered in Jesus’ name.
Written by Ifiok Ukobo
No comments:
Post a Comment