Overcoming Evil with Holiness

Examining Scripture:

“Be not overcome of evil,
but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21

Evaluating Soil:

It’s not true. We don’t have to succumb to the tragedies and turmoil taking place around us. We don’t have to let evil overtake and overcome our hearts and homes. We don’t have to surrender to sin and sorrow. It may seem like there is no way out of the bondage of evil we are faced with, but God says there is a way to overcome.

Our Creator gave us the answer to overcoming evil in Romans 12:21. We conquer evil with good. The darkness of evil cannot exist in the light of good. With good we chase evil from the shadows. Evil can only win when we turn from God’s ways and forfeit being good.

Most of us know the basic difference between good and evil. However, let’s take a few minutes to really think about those differences and how we can overcome the evil as we conclude our look at Romans 12.

Experiencing Seasons:

I’ve always found it amazing how the holidays can bring out the worst and best of people. For every cranky and impatience shopper, disgruntled relative, and negative Grinch or Scrooge I see in homes, stores, churches, and community events, I see just as many, or more, people patiently and joyfully putting up decorations, sharing joy, planning gatherings, giving gifts, and genuinely loving their family, friends, and even strangers. I see people who understand the reasons for traditions and celebrations. I see many people overcoming evil with Godly goodness, grace, and generosity.

Embracing Solace:

Good brings a calming joy to any obligation, opportunity, or occasion.

Enjoying Simplicity:

Oh, if we could all spread God’s goodness, we could rid the world of evil; one good deed at a time.

Employing Solutions:

Good is the only solution. Let’s re-read Romans 12:21 and get a clearer picture of what this truly means for us:

Overcome – Greek #3528 – nikaō
From G3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively): – conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.

Evil – Greek #2556 – kakos
Apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), that is, (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious: – bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.

Good – Greek #18 – agathos
A primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): – Compare G2570.

Good – Greek #2570.  Kalos
of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from 18, which is properly intrinsic):–
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)

For us to stand against the evil we see today, we must understand these words. Look at the words associated with them:

1. Overcome:
   • Subdue
   • Conquer
   • Prevail
   • Get the Victory
2. Evil:
   • Worthless
   • Depraved
   • Injurious
   • Wicked
3. Good: (in any sense)
   • Properly, Beautiful
   • Chiefly (figuratively) Good
   • Good (literally or morally)
   • Valuable
   • Virtuous

It’s pretty clear that evil and good are as different as night and day and we can’t overcome the one without the other. In our quest to live holy lives (Romans 12:1-2), we must change our ways of responding. Instead of retaliating with evil actions or attitudes, we must respond with good values.

If this is a struggle for us, we can pray together for God’s strength and guidance. This may be the only way we can celebrate a genuine “Merry” Christmas, by shining the light of good on the darkness of evil.

Bring It Home

What good would you like to share with others this Christmas?

Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC