How to Conquer Evil *

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Romans 12:21 NLT

It can be hard to find someone with a good work ethic - especially in this day and age - but we ought to be able to find our first one when we look in the mirror in the morning... and I don't mean the person behind you. I mean YOU. We are to give our best to those God has given us, just as Christ gave His best for us. How are we to do that? Romans 12 - the chapter - has the answers. Read on...

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

   “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You, Father, for giving us gifts that we can utilize to strengthen others. Help us to use them mightily for You.  May we always look to You and Your Son to be the Author and Finisher of our faith for direction in conquering evil. Give us wisdom, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen