The BattlePrøve

Overcome Evil with Good By Amy Cook From time to time, it’s beneficial to remind yourself that spiritual warfare involves fighting against demonic enemies and not human ones. Under the Old Covenant, God had instructed His people to live a life separated from the pagan nations around them, because He didn’t want them to be susceptible to their idolatry and immorality. As a result, when Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, His audience had an “us versus them” mentality. That’s why Jesus made a statement that astounded the people listening to Him teach: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43–44, KJV). Jesus wasn’t just telling people to be nice to each other; He was announcing the arrival of a whole new regime with a completely different mindset. Before the cross, there was a barrier of sin separating mankind from God’s presence, and all of humanity was at odds with God. However, upon the birth of Jesus, an angel appeared to shepherds in a field near Bethlehem to announce some incredible news: God’s Son, the Prince of Peace, was coming to earth to settle the score between God and mankind. The angel declared that this was joyous news to all people. Luke 2:13–14 (NKJV) says, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” God’s peace and goodwill toward men meant that Jesus bore the penalty for the sins of all mankind. Man’s fellowship with God is restored, and all who have received Jesus have been given authority over sin and the demonic realm. God has established human governmental authority to protect society by punishing evildoers and lawbreakers (Romans 13:3–5). Individuals are not responsible to pay back evil for evil (Romans 12:17). That is why believers need to view all people as souls in need of rescue and not as enemies to be feared and shunned. Don’t react against someone’s selfish or sinful behavior by returning their volley. Instead, stop the escalation by responding with an opposite spirit, so that you might win the person. God’s ways of how to live and act are consistently contrary to the ways of the world. Light dispels darkness. Perfect love casts out fear. If you want to break free from poverty, learn to give. To avoid a proud, haughty spirit, develop a servant’s heart and give yourself to humble tasks. To turn away wrath, give a soft answer (Proverbs 15:1). When people persecute you, bless them (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:14). When people hate you, love them (1  John 4:7–8). Compared to the world’s way of doing things, Jesus’ primary warfare principle of overcoming evil with good is revolutionary, and He proved it over and over throughout His life and His death (Romans 12:21). Even if your human adversaries don’t change, at least you will keep yourself free. Your soul won’t be snared by the devil and become a prisoner of war. You might even win your enemies over. Try Jesus’ way, and join the revolution! ### Memory Verse Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (NIV)