It’s a sad but true fact of life that the world lies under the sway of the wicked one. (1 John 5:19) This means that we are more likely to see more evil in the world than good.
One does not have to look far to see injustice, persecution and oppression taking place almost everywhere on the earth. And what’s worse, is that it looks like the odds are against those who seek to do the right thing.
Righteousness is ridiculed by those who enjoy exploiting others and it appears that evil is overcoming.
Because of this, it may be tempting to think that the only way to get the upper hand is by resorting to the same tactics as those practicing evil.
But as Christians we are not called to stoop to the same levels as those who do wrong. We are not called to repay evil with evil (Romans 12:17) but to overcome evil with good.
We are Called to Overcome Evil with Good
Evil may appear to be triumphing and prospering on the earth but as Christians we are not supposed to let this change our actions. We must not even consider retaliating with the same methods. If we do, we are letting ourselves be overcome by evil. But what we actually should be doing is overcoming evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
We are the salt of the earth, lights and lamps (Matthew 4:13-14). We are supposed to showing the world God’s love, light and goodness.
As Christians we are witnesses to the truth and to good. This means that at no point are we supposed to turn to evil. Doing so will not witness to the glory of God, but to the glory of satan.
Evil Glorifies Satan
When you curse those who curse you, or lie because others lie, if you cheat because that is how you see others succeeding. If you let vengeance and anger live in your heart and entertain ungodly behaviour, you are glorifying evil. All these actions are a form of killing, stealing and destroying. All of which the devil has come to the earth to do. (John 10:10)
So by succumbing to actions such as these you are aiding satan in his work. You are letting evil overcome.
Actions like this will also distance you more and more from our Heavenly Father, who is not an evil God but a good God.
We Serve a Good God
The God we serve is good. So good and righteous in fact, that He is kind even to those who do evil. (Luke 6:35) He feeds the evil as well as the good; He gives food and rain to all. (Matthew 5:45)
When we refrain from doing evil and actively pursue good, we associate ourselves with Him. We become, not sons of perdition and evil, but sons and daughters of the Most High.
How to Overcome Evil with Good
Once you understand the importance of overcoming evil, the next step is actually doing it. But how does one overcome evil with good?
It may seem like a complicated thing but it actually isn’t. Overcoming evil is simple and it all boils down to choice.
You Must Choose
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing…
Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)
We have all been given the gift of choice, the opportunity to choose in which direction we want to walk in. We can choose life or death, good or evil. You can choose to let God’s light and peace rule (Colossians 3:15) in your heart or you can succumb to earthly passions and be overcome by evil.
When you see those around you acting in a way contrary to God you can choose to follow suit, or you can choose to continue walking as God has called you too.
If someone curses and ridicules you can choose to reply to them in the same manner or you can choose not to respond at all and allow God’s peace to rule.
It’s up to you. Overcoming evil with good is a choice you must make.
Let God’s Word Lead
Although overcoming evil rests on your shoulder, you need not worry about whether or not you have the wisdom and knowledge to make the right choice. As always the Lord does not leave us without guidance.
The Bible is full of Scripture that instructs us on what to do when faced with evil. In the book of Luke we are told to love our enemies, to do good and lend. (Luke 6:35) In Romans we are told to bless those who persecute us. (Romans 12:14)
These are just a few of the ways in which we can overcome evil with good that God has revealed to us in His word. To find other ways to overcome evil with good, you just need to spend more time in the God’s Word. As you do this you will renew and transform your mind (Romans 12:2) and begin thinking as Christ does and then acting like Him.
The Holy Spirit Will Teach You
Another thing to remember is that as a Christian, you have the privilege of being personally led by the Holy Spirit. He is our Teacher (John 14:26), so when it comes to choosing to do good over doing evil, if you let Him, He will show you how.
He will convict you and guide you. Teach you and minister to you. He will give you the ability to make the right choice that will not only overcome evil, but bring glory to God as well.
Do Not Grow Weary
Those who practice evil may appear to be prospering now, but the time of reckoning will come, whether in this life or in the age to come. So stay steadfast and maintain your faith. Overcome evil with good, knowing that the good you do is not for man but for God and it is from Him that you will get your eternal reward.
Do not be discouraged or grow weary in doing good. One thing you can be assured of is that no matter what happens now in this life, in the end, it is God’s good will that will triumph.
