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Read Romans 12:9–21
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9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good Romans 12:21
In a world filled with news about unemployment, sickness, natural and man-made disasters, death, hunger, uncertainties, and more, it’s about all we can do to not be “overcome by evil.” This passage gives us hope and a way of life that helps us “overcome evil with good.” Through God’s strength, we can live our lives clinging to what is good, being joyful in our hope and patient in afflictions… always faithful in prayer.
Practice one thing out of this passage today. Are you going to bless someone who persecutes you? Maybe someone you know needs you to share tears in mourning. Perhaps they would be blessed to have you to celebrate and rejoice with them. God is calling us to live each day overcoming evil with good – the good that comes from knowing that we are daughters and sons of the living God who, through Jesus Christ, has overcome all evil.
Prayer
Lord of life, use us to overcome evil with good. Amen.