Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Overcoming evil with Good

Reading: Rom.12:9-21

Key Verse: “Do not be overcome by evil; but overcome evil with good” verse 21

This section of Paul’s letter involves our daily lives and relationships. It encourages us to love, be hospitable, respectful, joyful, generous and serve others. However, Paul recognises that some people will reject our loving attitudes and will respond through persecution and treating us in evil ways. In such cases we are to follow the teachings and example of Jesus who told us to pray for our enemies and refused to retaliate to insults and torture (Matt.5:44, 1 Pet.2:21-24). If we react with vengeance and bitterness we ourselves are overcome with evil; instead we should overcome evil with good.

Paul explains how this might work. We are to bless those who hurt and persecute us by praying for them. We consider any problems they have; if they are hungry we offer food and if they are thirsty we offer drink. This is an OT sentiment expressed in Exod.23:4 where we are to rescue the animals of someone who hates us. Paul’s actual quote is from Prov.25:21-22. The comment to “heap burning coals on his head” does not refer to vengeance but to the practice of giving someone a burning coal to light their own fire which had been extinguished. We overcome evil with good!

Prayer: Lord may I be inventive in blessing those who treat me badly