December 27, 2008

Overcome Evil with Good

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let us use them]: if prophecy, [let us prophesy] in proportion to our faith; or ministry, [let us use it] in [our] ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. [Let] love [be] without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. [Be] kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 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. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but [rather] give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 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." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:6-21 NKJV)

Paul continues his thought of serving in humility by challenging each member of the church to use the grace given to him by God for the benefit of others. He lists several gifts and encourages the fullest expression of each.

What bleeds through in this passage is the exhortation that these gifts are not only to be used to help those who are likeminded, but also to help those who persecute the church. We are to seek no vengeance against those who do harm the church because God will take that vengeance. We, on the other hand, are to feed our enemies when they hunger, and give drink to them when they thirst.

When we treat our enemies with such love, God says we heap coals of fire on their heads. This is not to bring them harm. The motive is quite different. It is instead to bring pain to their conscience with the goal of melting them into repentance resulting in ultimate good for them.

Therefore, Paul sums this up by saying, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” I have known those who live this way, and I can say their lives had a profound impact on me. I only hope that I can be such a servant when God calls on me to Overcome evil with good. I hope you will set your mind for the same challenge. Amen.