Jump Start # 874

Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

It’s easy to get along with people who are kind, thoughtful and helpful. Getting along with those who are not so nice, that’s the struggle most of us have. In this section of Romans, Paul addresses that. The apostle identifies some difficult situations that the early Christians faced.

• Bless those who persecute you (14)
• Never pay back evil for evil (17)
• Be at peace with all men, if possible (18)
• Never take your own revenge (19)
• If your enemy is hungry or thirsty, take care of him (20)
• Do not be overcome by evil (21)

Not everyone is nice. We learned that years ago is school. There were bullies, cheats, and mean kids who were bent on breaking the rules. They picked on the good kids. They made life uneasy. We found that some remain mean and nasty all their life. The work place often puts us next to those who pick on the good guys and are bent on breaking the rules. Mean and nasty people are everywhere—the malls, the ballgames, in the neighborhood. They seem to have no conscience. They can say the most obscene and vile things without even blushing or being ashamed. Their minds are dark and they seem to love darkness. They have no respect, desire or concern for God. They mock God and blasphemy His name on a regular basis. Rotten to the core are some of these people.

When we encounter them it is often a very unpleasant situation. We don’t know what to say or do. We just want to leave the area and get away from them. That’s not always possible. It’s not easy to just leave your job and find another one. It’s not easy to move because of a neighbor.

The common feeling many of us have is “just leave us alone.” We’ll leave you alone and you leave us alone. Doesn’t happen. It’s easy to sink to their ungodly level and respond the way we have been treated. That only escalates problems.

Paul’s words are: “Overcome evil with good.” Conquer evil. Defeat evil. Not by force. Not by wits. Not by words. Not by muscle. Instead, conquer evil, overcome evil, with good. Be good to the bad, that’s what Paul is saying.

That is hard, very hard. That is a challenge that takes much faith and prayer. Do good. Do good to those who may not want your good. Do good to those who haven’t done good in a long time. Do good to those who don’t like you and you may not like either. Do good to your enemies.

Do good. Make cookies and take them over. When they are outside doing yard work, go over and ask if you can give them a hand. At work, leave a gift on their desk. Go out of your way to be kind, nice and helpful. Find ways to help them out. Why? They never help me out. They never stay late to help me finish. They never do anything nice for me. Why? Because this is what God wants you to do. This shows our faith faster than our words. This is the best way to build bridges. Will they be nice after that? Who knows. Will they come to church with me? Probably not. Will we be friends? Doubtful. But when the chips are down, you may be shocked to see them coming to you for help or advice.

One of the negative things that some say about Christians is that they are “do gooders.” That’s what Paul said here in our verse, “do good.” One who does good is a do gooder. It is better to be known for that than a trouble maker who every one avoids.

Do good, even to those who are not nice. Jesus talked about that. Peter talked about that. Paul talked about that. Christians are not in a secret and special club that only do things for each other. Some may act that way, but that’s not the way it is supposed to be. What better way to shine your light than doing good  for people who are not so good.

Start by speaking to them. Smile. Ask them how the day is going. They may snap at you. They may even say something rude or offensive. Let it slide off you. Don’t let that stop you. Do good. Do good. Do good. It’s not a one and done deal. It’s a continual practice.

This is a huge challenge for us. We can do it because God wants us to. Remember, when you do this, you are only doing what Jesus did long ago.

Roger