Do not be overcome by evil


This world is filled with evil. We don’t like to think about how evil the world and people truly are, but sometimes it feels like it slaps us in the face and knocks us to the ground. When people do hateful and hurtful things to us, it’s easy to want to strike back. However, Romans 12:21 reminds us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Not an easy thing to do, and it goes against our own sinful nature; but if we turn back a few verses, we’re told “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the LORD’.” (Romans 12:19). 1 Thessalonians 5:15 tells us, “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” Don’t strike back. When people slander you or do evil towards you, remember, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:18). But how? How do we deal with the hatred and evil that comes against us? “Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Immerse yourself in the word of God, memorize it so that when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil. (See Psalm 23). Remember that God is good and just. He is with you and for you, though “they hold fast to their evil purpose…God shoots His arrows at them…they are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them” (Psalm 64:5,7,8). “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil,’ wait for the LORD, and He will deliver you (Proverbs 20:22). “The face of the LORD is against those who do evil… when the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:16,17). Sometimes it’s hard to fathom the depths of evil in this world. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by it, but remember this: God is merciful and just. In His mercy, He saves you, He calls you to Himself, and He will carry you until the day He calls you home. Those who do evil will be punished, whether it’s in this life or the next. Do not let the troubles and evil of this world overcome you; He will hold you fast.


"When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life's fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast"

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