Overcome Evil with Good
By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson
(AKA Aunty Evangeline)
Therefore if then enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
We must learn to forgive.
The Bible says forgive seventy times seven times. Meaning forgive always, you cannot keep account of hurts and count 70 x 7 that is 490 times. Where will you keep the records?
We must learn to forgive and overcome evil with good. How can this be done? We must
– Pray for grace to forgive
Isaiah 59: 1-2
Matthew 6:12-14
– Go the extra mile”
Proverbs 17:17
Matthew 5:41
– Let your light shine
Isaiah 60:1
Matthew 5:16
Pray for grace to forgive
Isaiah 59:1-2
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.
The passage above talks about sin separating us from God. Not forgiving your enemies or those who hurt you is sin because the Bible says we must forgive 70 x 7 times. And it will separate us from God. (Matthew 18:21-22
Matthew 6:12-14
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the power of the glory.
The above verse from the New Testament says forgiving our neighbors paves the way for us to be forgiven by God as well. Learning to forgive brings us closer to God and grants us God’s forgiveness as well.
Matthew 10:16 says
Be as wise as serpents but harmless as doves.
The Message Bible translation of Matthew 10:16 says
I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
“Go the extra mile”
Proverbs 17:17
A friend at all times and a brother is born for adversity.
Matthew 5:41-42
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
A friend loveth at all times implies a friend is always prepared to “go the extra mile” or do more than is expected of every other person. Likewise, a brother, in this context could refer to a sibling or Christian friend is “born for adversity” in the sense that they are expected to remain with you when all others fall out.
While the passage from Matthew encourages Christians to be willing and prepared to help others whenever it is necessary.
Let your light shine
Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which in heaven
Let your light shine means live a life worthy of emulation. Set a good example others can follow.
– Give to the poor and needy
– Give for the work of God in church and for other Christian organizations
The verse from Isaiah 60:1
Says
Arise, shine for they light is come, the glory of the Lord is risen upon
The portion underlined means God has already given you the ability and resources to enable your light to shine as a believer
References
1. King James Bible
2. Oxford English Mini-dictionary
3. Google.com
