Overcoming Evil with Good

 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:15 ESV)

How should a Christian react to wrong and evil? —Like Christ reacted in similar circumstances. Jesus chose to overcome evil with good, and so can we.

 When some of the first Christians suffered wrongdoing, the apostle Peter advised them to follow Jesus’ own example.

 “When you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth’; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1 Peter 2:20–23)

 Those who become bitter, yield to vengeful impulses, and take matters into their own hands instead of trusting God to right the wrongs, usually end up making an even bigger mess of things. Instead of the satisfaction they hope to gain, they wind up remorseful and in great need of forgiveness themselves.

 But those who put matters in God’s hands and trust Him to make things right in His time find “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” —Alex Peterson [1]

 Courage is the common currency of all those who choose to do the right thing. —Florence Nightingale (1820–1910)

[1] Alex Peterson Anchor Overcoming Evil with Good