Topic: Overcoming Evil
Bible Reading: Psalm 142-145; Romans 12.
Memory Verse: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 KJV
The first reaction that comes from most people when they are offended is to take revenge. Imagine while exchanging words with someone, he got annoyed and slapped you. The natural response from your flesh is to reply by giving him a more painful slap. That is what the flesh expects and if you yield to that demand by the flesh, it could lead to serious fight that may become injurious to either or both parties. But imagine you did not respond, what do you think will happen? In the worst case if the offensive party gave you another slap and you still did not respond, no matter, his aggression, he would have a check in his spirit and that will douse the physical tension, though he may be more tensed internally because you did not respond the way he expected. Taking such insults without any response is what it takes to be dead to the flesh because you are no longer interested in meeting the demand of the flesh rather always itching to please God. Romans 12:19 (KJV) says, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
To be a true disciple of Christ, you have to be dead to the demand of your flesh and instead be overcome with love. Such love will let you see the need to be good to people who are evil to you because you will recognize that it is the evil spirit that is working through them and you will not want that spirit to be fed, rather you starve it by showing love instead of hatred to the other party. When you show love to people who are wicked to you, you will be sending a message to them about who you are and in such circumstances be able to win them over to Christ. That’s why Matthew 5:44 (KJV) says, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
That is the example that Jesus Christ gives us when He said to the Almighty God to forgive those who caused Him so much pain by crucifying Him ( Luke 23:34). And in summary He tells us in Romans 12:21 (KJV), “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Whatever your adversaries may be doing to you now or have done to you in the past, ensure you repay them with goodness.
Prayer point: Father, please help me to always overcome evil with good in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero