Overwhelm Evil with Good
August 3, 2011Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Since this passage in Romans is written to believers, I find it surprising that Paul refers to “evil” in the brethren. The parallel passage in 1 Peter 3:8-9 expands on the thought: “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous, not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Th. 5:15 also says, “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all”
One thing also stuck with me in the past few days, which is why I haven’t written. If the Word tells us we can overcome evil with good…it has to be possible. To “overcome” means “to conquer, master, suppress, prevail over, to surmount or overwhelm”. Jesus told us that light dispels darkness. So, why have we bought the lie of the devil that the darkness is too strong to combat? Why have we just decided that these times are too far gone? Why have we let go and given in?
Christians are afraid of the ACLU and threatened lawsuits. We are afraid to “offend”. We have no backbones. We allow ourselves to be overcome with evil and, for the most part, do not fight back. Overcoming evil with good is not just to “pray for them”. It is taking a stand. What if the Apostles just “prayed about it”…Christianity would never have taken root at all. And, speaking of darkness, Paul preached during Nero’s reign.
Once again, I am disappointed in us and in myself.
juliesramblings 
When I was young and a new Christian I had no understanding as to why most of the mainstream denominations would allow themselves the get walked on by the unbelievers. I called them “carpet christians” Because people would walk all over them and they would take it “for Jesus’s sake”.
It continues today. Prayer in schools, military Chaplains not being allowed to use the name Jesus in prayer, nativity scenes, sporting events.
You are right. The first century church grew and prospered in a time of a totalitarian government. A government that had the power to put anyone to death if they didn’t like them. Yet the Church prospered. Why? Because good men stood for what was right.
The context is in the church, so I don’t dare stray. Evil? In the church? Sure. The natural man is not Godly, it takes the ‘Hand of God” to make him so. When he is born again, he has God, in Christ, in him. That makes him righteous and pure in God’s eyes. Though his sins are washed away totally his mind is still his own, and capable of evil. In the church; stand up against evil, fight against evil with good. Use God’s word too instruct and edify. Do not let evil lurk even in the corners of your church. It is there to only destroy faith, cohesion and confidence.
Great response! If you have not, you should put it in Facebook too.
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