Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom 12:21
In Paul’s letter to the Roman church, he writes “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. Christ overcame evil with good. His love for the people was the foundation and the model for how one can overcome evil with good. Our insubordination, disobedience, sinful nature, willfulness, and self-centeredness has been overcome with His good – His death and resurrection.
Jesus was the perfect example of overcoming evil with good, “when they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate, when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1pet 2:23). Romans 12 is the foundation for living Christian life, as we live in this world our attitude towards evil should not copy the world’s behavior but reflect Christ who is in me (Rom 12:1-2)
Many times, we are urged to take vengeance for the evil that is being done to us, or we tend to react in a negative way when we are attacked by the enemy falling into the trap of evil. Do not let the enemy’s malice produce wrath in you. But, let your love triumph over his hostility. Like Jesus went around doing good, God has prepared us to follow His lead. Jesus didn’t necessarily agree with everyone, but he was kind enough. It takes no power, might or wisdom to retaliate against evildoers. But returning good for evil is one of the greatest demonstrations of strength.