Sunday, February 20, 2011

February 21, 2011

"Don't pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can. My friends, don't try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, "I am the One who judges people. I will pay them back,"— (Deut. 32:35) says the Lord. Do just the opposite. Scripture says, "If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads." — (Pro. 25:21,22) Don't let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good."

Romans 12 tells you that you are living on purpose. So far we have learned that your purpose is to "overcome evil with good". But, to do that you must overcome the evil in you. That happens when you surrender yourself to God and become a "living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God". He promises to renew you by the transfomring of your mind.

Once God has transformed you and filled you with His Spirit, then you can discover your place in His Kingdom. Romans affimrs that you have a spiritual gift, a special God-given, Spirit activated ministry strength that will allow you to serve Him in the church. 

As you serve God within the church a new passion will arise within you for Him and His people. You will serve Him with sincere love that protects the unity and community of the church.

Then you must find your peace. Peace comes from being a grace-giver and not a grudge-holder. And peace comes from empathizing with the emotions of others - sharing their joys a though they were your own and entering into their pain to help bring comfort. Then, peace comes through humility that maintains harmony.

Verses 17-21 ends by showing how to find your power. We will be examining that over the next several posts.

"Don't pay back evil with evil". When you understand your purpose, and when you find your place and your passion and your peace, you will have the desire and ability to overcome the evil that seeks to overwhelm you.

You do not have to be overcome by evil! You have the power to be an overcomer!

How?

By aborbing it!

That's right! Just take it and return good for evil!

That takes incredible power! The power of love. The power of grace! But, in God you have that power!

Evil is overcome each time you refuse to return evil for evil. Will you be an overcomer today? Or, will you be overcome?