Overcoming

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:21

Dealing with people can, at times, be a bit tricky.  We all go through times when someone hurts us or says things that cause us problems.  And if we are honest, there are times that we are the ones inflicting the pain.

This passage of Scripture is a continuation of verses that began in verse 17.  We are instructed not “to repay evil for evil”. This is a simple and straight forward commandment, but in truth, hard to carry out.  Our natural tendency is to respond in kind to people.  It does not take any effort to smile and be gracious to the waitress that is friendly and helpful.  It takes a lot more character to be kind to the waitress who is slamming your drinks on the table and seems disturbed that you came to dine.

Anyone, saved or unsaved, can respond in a reciprocal manner when we are hurt, angry or offended.  But we must decide in advance that we will not allow ourselves to act ugly to others just because they were ugly to us.

I think about Jesus- our great example. He was mocked, scorned, laughed at, spat upon, beaten… and His response?  “Father forgive them for they know what they do.”  He was able to look beyond the present and have pity on them for the judgment that they were heaping on their own heads.

Often, the rude cashier is having family problems, financial problems or health problems which make them short and hard to deal with.  Maybe life has given them little to smile about.  As we go about, being God’s hands, feet, and mouths in this world, we must call to mind Jesus’ example.  We must be the overcomer in every situation.  We have to be “high road” people.  Often acting in kindness on our part, has a way of diffusing or breaking the negative pattern that others begin.

God is the only righteous judge who gets it all right.  Who are we to decide who deserves punishment and who deserves mercy?

Dear Lord, help me to respond in love on all occasions.  Let my life, speech and actions be good and not evil.  Help me to overcome every evil tendency within myself.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri