What to Do with Evil Romans 12:21

Paul the apostle told the believing people in Rome, “if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head”, and in chapter twelve and verse twenty-one of Romans, Paul tells the believers to, “be not overcome of evil” with others where we read:

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

The verse begins, “Be not overcome of evil, ...” Paul began with the words, “be not overcome” which means “do not be conquered, carried of by and subdued” “of evil” or “by bad, wicked, wrong, base, injurious, pernicious and destructive modes of thinking, feeling and acting”. Paul exhorted the believers in Rome not to be “conquered'' by “wicked and destructive” ways.

The verse goes on to say, “... but overcome evil with good.”. Paul added the word, “but” which means “nevertheless, notwithstanding and moreover” “overcome” or “conquer, subdue and have victory over” “evil” which refers to “ bad, wicked, wrong, base, injurious, pernicious and destructive modes of thinking, feeling and acting” “with good” or “by a good constitution or nature having useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy and distinguished ways”. Paul encouraged his believing readers to have “victory over” “wicked and destructive” ways by responding in a “pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy and distinguished” way.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we understand his instruction when“evil” or “wickedness” is encountered. After a person receives Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord”, they engage “bad and wrong” in a way that is much different from the world. When “evil” comes, the Christian is to have “victory” over it by “doing good, being pleasant and having distinguished behavior” as a response. This is possible by the power of the Holy Spirit of God which comes into a person when they accept Jesus Christ, and God has a ready supply of power to enable those who desire to “overcome evil with good”.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Paul tell his believing readers about the source of “power” and what to do with it, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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