Overcome evil with good
By Evangeline Esaaba Folson
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Good News Translation says:
Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.
I believe the Apostle Paul was referring to the fact that do not allow evil to take over your emotions. If you allow evil to take over your emotions you will want to seek revenge. Romans 12:19 says we should leave revenge or avenging ourselves to the Lord. Instead, do good to the one hurting or cheating you.
For example, you are preparing for your friends examinations in school. Someone steals your biology notes and textbook. What do you do? Your first reaction will be to curse whoever stole your books; it could prevent you from passing your exams after spending 5-7years in school. Instead of “cursing” whoever di (just in case someone saw him/her taking the books). Ask the person politely to return your books and assure him you can share. When you are reading the notes he can read the text book, then you can exchange books after some time to endure you are well prepared for the exam.
This is not an easy thing to do, you can ask God to help you through prayer. How and in what ways can we overcome evil with good? Some example from the bible are:
- The story of Abraham and lot (Genesis 13:1-18)
- The story of Hannah and Peninah (1Samuel 1:1-28)
- The story of Jesus and John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11-17 )
- The story of Jesus and Judas Ischariot (mark 14:44-46)
The story of Abraham and Lot
Genesis 13:1-18
The passage is very long therefore the story will be summarized and the lessons to be learnt highlighted.
Abraham received a call from God to leave his family people and country; to a land that He will show him. When Abraham was leaving he took his wife, slaves and possessions as well as Lot his nephew.
Lot also had his own Family and possessions, therefore as they journeyed, it became difficult to find water and pasture for Abraham and Lot’s livestock. Their men and slaves kept fighting over the water and pasture available. Then Abraham realized it would be better for them to part ways.
He told Lot, look around to the left and to the right, make a choice, if you take left I will take right and if you take right, I will take left.
Lot chose the most fertile land and left the dry land to Abraham . Abraham was older and had more livestock and herdsmen, Lot had less. He should have shown respect and consideration for Abraham by choosing the less fertile land.
However, Abraham did not hold a grudge against him. He wished him well. Later on when Lot got into trouble in Sodom and Gomorrah he pleaded with God to save Lot and his family Abraham did not overcome evil with evil but he overcome evil with good.
The story of Hannah and Peninah
1 Samuel 1:1-28
This is another long passage. Elkanah was a rich man who had two wives Hannah and Peninah. Elkanah loved Hannah but Hannah had no children, Peninah had children
Each year when they went to the house of the Lord to sacrifice her rival Peninah provoked her because she had no children. Any other person would have found ways of hurting Peninah’s children. But Hannah decided to pray to God to grant her , her own child.
She prayed earnestly and God blessed her with a son, the prophet Samuel. Hannah showed her appreciation to God by lending her Son to God to serve as a priest in the temple. Hannah did overcome evil with good. She did not harm her rival but she prayed for her own child.
The story of Jesus and John the Baptist
Matthew 3:11-17
John the Baptist was the older cousin of Jesus. The bible says John prepared the way for Jesus. Before Jesus started His ministry, John was already preaching and baptizing people who were saved. He was very famous.
Any other person would have been jealous and envious of Jesus, but John was not when the time came for him to baptize Jesus, He did it willing and told all those around that Jesus was much greater than he was.
This was confirmed by the dove. Settling on Jesus’ head and a voice from heaven saying “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”
John did not allow evil thoughts like usurping Jesus’s authority overtake him. He overcame evil with good
The story of Jesus and Judas Ischariot
Mark 14:44-46
Judas was one of the twelve disciples. He was trusted and thus he was the treasure of Jesus team.
However, Judas betrayed this trust, and sold Jesus to His enemies for a few pieces of silver. Jesus did not repay Judas with evil when Peter cut off the ear of one of the guards that arrested Him. He put the ear back and healed him.
Any other person would have inflicted more pain on the guards but He was good to them. He did not punish Judas who betrayed Him with a kiss which was an act used to express love.
He overcame evil with good
Conclusion
When you feel betrayed or cheated, do not think of repaying with evil. Overcome evil with good and you will be blessed.
When you feel like avenging yourself think of the words of this song:
A little talk with Jesus makes it right, Alright
A little talk with Jesus makes it right, Alright
In trials of every kind Praise God I always find
A little talk with Jesus
Makes it right, alright. Amen.
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