July 19, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

Three times in eight verses Paul gives basically the same instruction which is no different from one of the salient teachings of Jesus. He encourages the Roman Christians to bless those who persecute them and not curse, to never pay back evil for evil, and to overcome evil with good. Jesus commands His disciples to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who mistreat them.

The world makes us believe that we win by being more cunning or violent. The way of the kingdom is the opposite. We overcome evil with good, darkness with light, and hatred with love. Whenever we follow that, we prove to be sons of our heavenly Father.