Overcome evil with good

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

The forces of evil have a crafty and subtle way of seeming to overcome. They envelope us with negativity, pessimism, hopelessness, and despair. They will make it seem that there is no way out, no present prospect of disentangling us from our plight. This can come in the form of hateful words, evil actions, reproaches, and other forces that may assail us as believers in Christ. But furthermore, it may not just be that which is without. But worse yet, it may be that which is within. Evil thoughts that sometimes impugn us unannounced and without warning. They suddenly molest as if a lightning bolt from heaven has stricken us. It may be a thought we detest and abhor, but it seems to enter the mind without hindrance. How will we combat this? How will we quell the forces of evil? If someone gossips about us, and speaks ill of us, how will be keep such things from overwhelming our hearts and minds, and causing us to be paralyzed in fear and self-consciousness. We feel we have been disparaged and castigated. Now what shall we do? What shall we do with the words without and the thoughts within? Only one answer remains, and it is the answer of Scripture.

Overcome evil with good! How will we emerge victorious over these things? How will we see the scourge lifted? Only by overcoming the evil influence with good influences. Therefore, overcome evil thoughts with good thoughts. Do not dwell on evil thoughts! That only makes the evil pervade the mind more deeply! In the same way that it sought to overcome you, overcome it! Let a barrage of holy, good, and righteous thoughts over-flood your mind! Let the evil be washed away! Let the rubbish be swept afar off by the deluge that is sent into your mind. Let Christ overcome the evil. “Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” says the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:57. There is a way to victory! There is a path of relief and reprieve. But it is only by bringing in a greater amount of good. Overcome evil with good!

What will you do when other’s words have caused pain and heartache, or when your mind tends to worry and fear about what others think or say? You will do it one way! You will overcome with good! You will pray for those who despitefully use you. You will thereby have a change of spirit towards those people. You will overcome any evil they do with good. They may speak evil or you. So what of it? What is that to thee! Give none attention to it! To give attention to it is to be selfish and prideful! Christ gave no attention, but instead said, “Father, forgive them.” Overcome evil with good! Do not be sidetracked with these things. Instead, dwell on the Lord. Fill your heart and mind with Him and His wondrous Word. Let His glorious truth soak in, penetrating and permeating your entire being. And then, you will stop caring about what others say and do. And it will clear your weary mind. Oh, my friend, read this entire chapter today, and see what the Spirit of Christ does. Love without dissimulation! Preferring one another! Given to hospitality! Peaceable with all men! How does it happen, and how do we do it? There is only one way. Do not believe there is any other, because that other way will likely fail. No, the way is made plain. We must overcome evil with good!

“Father, thank you for answering many years of prayer, and many days of agonizing worry and fear. We now have the answer. With every thought and every word; with every propensity and every disposition; with every person and every thing, let us learn the great truth contained here, that we must overcome evil with good. In all of our relationships, friendships, and acquaintances, may we never be burdened down again by what others say, do, or think. Help us not to be overwhelmed by misunderstandings and questionable motives. But now, by your grace, enable us to overcome all evil with good. And we shall praise Thee alone for it! In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.”