Overcoming Evil with Good

Romans 12:1-2 NKJV - [1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The Bible is clear that we are to be holy and sanctified (set apart) to God.  He in no way intends for us to be conformed to or to pattern ourselves after the world and its way of doing things.  In John 15:19, Jesus told His disciples that they were not of the world, but that He had chosen them out of the world and in 1 Peter 2:9, the Apostle tells us that we are a chosen generation, and a holy nation that has been called out of darkness.

Right now in our world there is much darkness, anger, frustration, confusion, hatred and division.  Every social media post incites disputes and confrontational responses.  Protests and violence have become the norm.  Battle lines have been drawn on social, religious and political issues and the war is raging.  THE CHURCH must stand apart in these turbulent times!  Let us be the ray of hope that this world needs.  But how can we make a difference if we act just like the world?  How can we eliminate darkness if our light is burnt out or covered up?  Romans 12 continues:

[9] [Let] love [be] without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. ... [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ... [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. [19] Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but [rather] give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We will not overcome the world and its evil by taking part in their behavior.  We will only overcome violence with peace, hate with love, and division with unity.  Now, more than ever before the church must cling to what is good.  Hold on to it and don’t let go!  I do not mean to imply that we should not stand for what we believe, but simply that we do not let our behavior mimic that of the unbelievers.

You have been born into God’s Kingdom for times such as these, so think twice before you post or respond to a post and make sure that it is representative of the mind of Christ.  Check your attitude often to ensure that it aligns with God’s Holy nature.  Become a friend to someone who you completely disagree with and show them the love that Christ shows to you.  Do and say everything as unto the Lord.  Bless others (both within and without the church body) every chance you get.  Live in peace and let God fight your battles.  Combat this dark, hateful, evil world with light, love and goodness.  It is time for the church to stand apart from the world, to be the church and to overcome evil with good.
 
In Christ,
Patrick A. Thomson