Overcome Evil With Good

Overcome evil with good literally means “let your love triumph over your enemy’s hostility.” God promises to bless those who choose good over evil.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. (Proverbs 25:21-22)

9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling (insult) for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:9-12)

Does it mean that, if we give our enemy water when he is thirsty and food when he is hungry, he will always repent and become a friend? No. Jesus’ enemies do not all respond positively to His love for them. The love of Christ does not always produce repentance in everyone. And our love won’t either. 

So what does “overcome evil with good” mean? It means either we triumph through the repentance of our enemy or we triumph through the judgment of our enemy.

Prayer: Oh Lord, cover my mind and body with the armour of God. Holy Spirit, remind me constantly that I am God’s child and the enemy can’t get a hold on me. He is powerless over me for I love You, Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!