Overcoming Evil

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 12:

21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

To overcome means to have victory over another.  Jesus overcame the world and has given us the power and authority overcome the wicked one as well.  Lt us mot be overcome by evil but instead overcome evil with good.

Evil is destructive by its very nature and it will divide whatever is before it to reduce its strength.  When evil is introduced into a relationship, division occurs and at least one of the parties will suffer.  The passage above makes it 100% clear that good overcomes evil so let us pursue “good” as we mature as overcomers.  What can we do to promote “good”?  In this same chapter Paul provides us several examples:

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

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.”

Dwell on this list and see if you are embracing all the facets Paul included.  Overcoming evil is not just a one-time event but it should become a way of life for the elect.  Evil is present throughout the world.  Virtually without exception can evil be found in organizations created by man.  If we are to be a light unto the world by our living example, let us embrace this list and any other quality of Love revealed to us.  As we walk in Love this list will be a natural result of our fruitfulness.

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