Romans 12:20-21
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
There is a familiar adage that says “Living well is the best revenge.” This scripture passage seems to be saying … “Loving others well in Jesus name is the best ‘revenge.’” I don’t really like the word revenge… but if we can think of this in terms of “getting the best of evil,” then it would seem that “revenge” has its place in the life of a Christian.
Think about the people you encounter. Hopefully you don’t have any true “enemies,” but there may very well be people in your life who offend you… hurt your feelings… treat you poorly… cause you embarrassment or speak unkindly or untruthfully about you. And your temptation may be to retaliate… or to revel in this person’s misfortunes and shortcomings. This would be like taking delight in learning that your childhood bully grew up to be unsuccessful in life and relationships – or now weighs just shy of 300 pounds! Or you might have studied under a difficult professor who later lost tenure or was dismissed for some transgression he/she committed at the university – or a boss who lost his/her job for wrongdoing… and you and your former classmates or co-workers celebrated this news.
Any time we take pleasure in another person’s misfortune – even if it seems they “got what they had coming” – we have let evil get the best of us. Instead, learn to pray for those who insult or injure you in some fashion. When an opportunity arises to show them kindness, take full advantage of it. Greet the person who has spoken ill of you to others with a smile and a handshake. In other words, “kill ‘em with kindness!” - to quote another good old adage!
More than once, I have heard of someone who was mistreated and chose to repay this unkindness with love, grace and mercy… and the person who was being mean or abusive took notice. In many instances, he/she came back and asked, “Why did you treat me so well after what I did to you? I did not deserve this!” Whether you ever have this experience or not, set yourself in position for it. Be ready to say, “I did this for you because this is what Jesus does for me every single day.” This may not come easily at first, but if you really begin to practice getting the best of evil by doing good, you can get better at it!
Revenge may feel good for the moment, but I guarantee you, loving others – even those whom you feel don’t deserve it – really does feel better for the long haul. Think of Jesus and what He does for you every single day. Remind yourself that the goal is to be more like Him. Don’t let evil get the best of you… learn to love others well in the name of Jesus instead. See for yourself exactly how your generosity can affect others. Celebrate the love of Jesus by sharing it with EVERYONE you encounter… even your “enemies.”
©2013 Debbie Robus
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