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

Today's Scripture Reading (March 14, 2021): Romans 12

Evil exists in this world. It just does. We see it almost every day, although sometimes we don't recognize it for what it is. Evil exists in the little lies that we tell each other and ourselves. It is present in the gossip and misinformation that we share, sometimes too freely. Evil shows itself in the violent acts that exist all around us, even the little ones. It is revealed in our mistrust of each other and our willingness to believe conspiracy theories that permeate our environment.

Evil exists in our world. Our reaction to evil is often to return evil with evil, to get back at those who wrong us, and even to gossip about the gossipers. It just seems, at least to us, to be the right and the most comforting thing to do.

But Paul argues the opposite. He insists that we are to resist evil and all of its actions in our lives. But to fight evil, we have to be able to recognize it. It is only when we begin to recognize evil that we can resist its demands on our lives.

But Paul takes a step beyond just instructing his audience to resist evil in the world. He tells them that they are to overcome evil, not with evil, but with good. Overcome the evil that exists in the lies that we tell by being tellers of the truth. Overcome gossip and misinformation by being protective of the things that we believe. Overcome violence with peace. Overcome mistrust with trust, and in doing this, you will begin to overcome evil with good.

Mohandas Gandhi famously argued that returning evil for evil only serves to increase the suffering in the world. Gandhi argued, "An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind." Gandhi argued for a campaign of non-violence, and a non-retaliatory philosophy that he believed would eventually win India her independence. Whether he realized it or not, his path matched the beliefs of both Paul and Jesus. Jesus was clear. As Christians, we are not supposed to return evil for evil. We are set apart, and our reaction is supposed to be different

Jesus argued that we were not just supposed to refrain from murder, but instead we were to refrain from hate (Matthew 5:21-22), and we were not supposed to refrain from adultery, but instead we are not to lust (Matthew 5:31-32). Jesus argued that his disciples would love their enemies and pray for those who persecuted them (Matthew 5:43-44). In other words, we are to return evil with good.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you (Matthew 5:38-42).

Be a force for good in this world because you refuse to partake in evil, even if the world believes evil is deserved.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Romans 13