Isn’t it hard to respond well to someone’s vitriol, anger, sinfulness, and suffering? Maybe you have been on the receiving end of sinful words, sinful actions, or a sinful attitude. Possibly someone you love uses words as a sword, actions as a spear, or attitude as a vise. There may be an acquaintance, coworker, or neighbor who regularly causes suffering or chooses sin.
How do you respond? Everything inside typically screams to return evil for evil. Vengeance. Get your pound of flesh. Show the other person what it feels like. Make the other as miserable as yourself. However, there is a better way.
Overcome Evil with Good
After Paul describes the incredible mercy of God toward each person, he begins to exhort followers of Christ how to live in light of that mercy. He describes what life should look like. He includes the case of being sinned against.
20 Therefore “If you enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink…” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21)
Paul directs us to do good to the one who is doing evil to us, to respond in ways that both honor God and provide good for the neighbor.
Act rather than React
In light of someone’s sin against you, choose to respond in a biblical, God-honoring, good-producing way.[1]
“Feed the enemy?”
“Give the enemy a drink?”
“Overcome evil with good?”
I would not have come up with that advice on my own. Who wants to be kinder, gentler, and more loving? I would prefer something different. But as one who knows the incredible mercy of God, my response should reflect His mercy. What does that mean? I need to act in ways of kindness, not react in ways of sinfulness.
Today, let’s strive for good!
BONUS MATERIAL:
In considering today’s text, I read the following and thought it to be very helpful.
So the hard question that this Scripture leaves us with is, have I paid back evil with evil to anyone? Is this my pattern with my spouse? Is this the way I deal with my kids? How are my relationships with my extended family? Is this how I deal with difficult people at work or in my neighborhood? If so, first ask God’s forgiveness. Then figure out a way to ask forgiveness of those you have wronged. Even if they don’t repent, think about ways that you can bless them with kindness. That’s how to do right when you’ve been wronged.
[1] Note: If you have or are suffering abuse, your response still needs to be motivated by the mercy of God, even if that includes specific and hard consequences for the offender. Seek help or counsel from a biblical counselor on what that may need to look like.
