“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
– Romans 12:21
I remember when I first got to seminary. I was a young 25-year-old who knew everything because, well, I had the Bible and that was all I needed. However, being part of a Reformed denomination, I was told that if I wanted to be a pastor, I needed to go to seminary. So on my first day, I waltzed into a class and a really well-known theologian was my professor. At one point that day, when he made an assertion about something, I stood up and literally said to him out loud, “You’re wrong!” He didn’t lash out at this point nor did he make me feel embarrassed, he simply began asking me questions. As he worked on dismantling my argument one probe at a time, I gradually lost confidence in my position and sat down feeling like a sucker. It wasn’t long before I realized that I had stepped right into his masterfully-designed trap. He was trying to teach us a valuable lesson. He wanted us to know what it might one day be like to field questions and arguments from congregants. The point I want to make about this wonderful man is that never once did he shame me for my arrogance or disrespect. In fact, it was just the opposite. He befriended me quickly and took me out to Coco’s afterwards for pie to calm me down. Friend, I want to encourage you to be a person like this. When someone powers up and does you wrong, overcome their evil with good. In fact, put the shoe on the other foot and imagine what it would feel like if you, in the midst of a struggle, sin, or blatant wrong, were caught. But rather than being punished, you were shown unexpected mercy. I am almost certain that such an experience would teach you more about the character of Jesus than chastisement ever would! When your position is challenged or you are unjustly accused, if you respond calmly and compassionately with joy and love, the wrong done to you will be swallowed up in grace. The result? Jesus will shine! Isn’t that great news? |
Prayer
Jesus, I am thankful that in you, I have the power to overcome evil with good. Elevate my perspective and fill my heart with your grace so that I may represent you well.
Reflection
Has a blatant wrong on your part ever been overcome by the grace and goodness of another? How did it impact you?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
How wonderful that makes a lot of sense, Thankyou for sharing
A good freind was taking me to a winery. She was trying to go to one she knew. She took a turn thinking the road we turned on might be it. She realized this must not be it. It was a winery. She felt like she did not like it because it was was trespassing. I just said since we know this is a winery I would not feel so bad. When we got there she saw the owner come out getting ready for a setup. I told her why we were standing still n the car, I would get out to talk with him. I did against her wishes and talked to him and he said come and look around. So I went back to her and she got out to see. People were coming in to gather for entertainment. We went back to the car realizing we need to go to the other winery. When we started out. She said that I disrespected her by first of all going to do what I did. Well we did go to the other winery. Apologies were made between us . I could tell that that was just the way it was. I have been around winery’s in California and a little more forward… There was not a problem with the owner. I realize do not do it again and know how she thinks.
Jane