Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
Last night, upset and angry over the senseless bombings at the Boston Marathon, I went to bed thinking about how we overcome evil with good. My youngest daughter had called us several times to say, “I love you.” My husband and I could hear in her voice how alarmed she was, but talking to us helped calm her fears and concerns for all the people who got hurt.
The existence of evil in the world has a very chilling effect. When you feel that it is close to you, it can make you start watching over your shoulder all the time. Living in fear is not the answer. There is only one way to prevent evil in this world. Evil must be overcome with good.
We cannot allow ourselves to be overcome with evil. It has to begin in our head and hearts. We must think about doing good for others and not repaying evil for evil. When we live with the idea of always getting even, it leads to evil.
The Bible teaches us to bless rather than curse those who persecute us. The best way for us to bless others is through prayer. Every time we pray for those who commit evil, we are putting them in closer proximity to hear God say, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
Prayer also helps keep all of us in line with what is good and helps us see that God is the only one who can bring about a true change of heart. As hard as it is to think that evil people can change, I know that they can. Many of us are living proof.
God bless you!
