True SpiritualitySample

Overcoming Evil

Yesterday’s passage urged us to love people authentically. But how do you respond to someone who doesn’t love back? Or worse, someone hostile to your faith, even to an enemy? 

How does true spirituality deal with injustice?

If you want a clear picture of this, just look at Jesus. Jesus had plenty of enemies and endured the ultimate injustice. How did He respond? 

With love. No vengeance, no curses, no backlash. Just love.

It can be very difficult to deal with people who have been a source of evil in our lives. Whether it’s abuse, injustice, relational betrayal, it can feel impossible to move past wounds and bitterness. 

Yet Paul gives us two major commands in Romans 12:14-21 that paint a picture of love in the face of adversity. 

First, “Bless those who persecute you” (v. 14). 

We are to respond to evil just as Jesus did. We are called to be living sacrifices no longer conformed to this world. We are to bless because that’s the nature of God.

Second, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil” (v. 17). 

In fact, as far as it is possible, we are to “live at peace with everyone” (v. 18). That isn’t easy, but God gives us the grace to do it. We are to embody the message of the gospel.

Conflict is sometimes unavoidable, but as a living sacrifice with a renewed mind, you are not called to be the antagonist in any situation. True spirituality means refusing to take matters into your own hands and leaving them in God’s. Are you willing to believe God and trust that your life, your relationships, and your calling are safe with Him?