Overcome Evil With Good

By Our Daily Bread

Read: Luke 9:51-56

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:21

As Jesus began to make His way to Jerusalem, He sent messengers ahead to prepare a Samaritan village along the way for His arrival. But the people there rejected Him.

When James and John heard about their refusal, they fumed, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” (Luke 9:54). They had just been on the Mount of Transfiguration and had seen their Lord with Moses and Elijah (vv.28-36). The account of Elijah and the fire from heaven must have come to their minds (1 Kings 18:36-39). But when they asked if they could call down fiery judgment on the Samaritans, Jesus rebuked them.

It is not our business to judge God’s enemies. “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Our business is to tell the world, and even those who oppose us, about His offer of salvation.

Paul gave us these instructions: “‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink’ . . . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (vv.20-21). We must overwhelm evil opponents with love if we can, bring them to Jesus if they will come, and leave judgment with God.  —DHR

It's easy to be kind and good
To those who show us love,
But loving those who won't respond
Takes grace from God above. —Sper

The best weapon to use against your enemy is love.