We all know there’s much bad in this world. We see it in the headlines and on our social media feeds. It’s happening across the world and across the street. It’s even found a way into our schools, our concerts, our once-considered-safe pastimes. Yes, we seem to be overcome with what’s bad.
You know, though, good is out there, too. No, maybe it doesn’t get the headlines as often, and maybe we don’t hear about it on the evening news every day. But, good is everywhere also.
Each day we wake up with a choice.
Each moment we’re alive we have a choice between good and bad. Will we show kindness and grace to another, or will we choose to be judgmental and rude? Will we take the time to help another, or are we just too busy to lend a hand? And what about those we struggle to get along with? What about those who treat us bad? What about them? How will we treat or respond to them?
Here are some words to ponder today, straight from the book of Romans (12:20 MSG):
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.
The verse that follows is just as powerful.
Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 MSG
Another translation puts it this way:
Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good. AMP
Let’s overcome evil by doing good.
What if you and I, as we set out to live real lives every day, chose to overcome evil by doing good? In every circumstance, in every conversation, in every thought? It can start in our homes, in our offices, in the school pickup line. Anywhere.
When we overcome evil by our actions, others take notice. Just like the “enemy” in the above passage. He/she might just be surprised with goodness. A little goodness can change the world. At least, I believe it can.
I want to overcome evil by doing good every day. And, I want to do better at this, because frankly, I think I really stink at it. I invite you to join me. What’s one thing we can do today? Let’s brainstorm below.
Living real as we overcome evil with good. I love it!
Blessings!
Julie
Today’s Day 27 of 31 Days of Living a Real Life. All previous posts in this series can be found here. I attempted to free-write for five minutes for Five Minute Friday on the word OVERCOME, but it took me much longer to gather my thoughts midway through the post. But, I’ll link up with this beautiful community anyway. Check out all these amazing writers over there!
Visiting from Five Minute Friday. I love this idea of fighting evil by doing good. I’m organizing a fall carnival to be held this weekend for kids in a neighborhood where it’s not safe for them to trick or treat. I hope that is a step in the right direction.
Wow, that’s a great way to overcome evil by doing good! What a blessing that will be. Enjoy every moment! Thanks for stopping in and sharing. Bless you!
Me too, sister, me too!
Amen, friend!
I think for me it means I need to stop being afraid to speak up for good. I dislike conflict so much and I take criticism to heart thus I tend to avoid causing controversy. Recently on social media people were badmouthing Operation Christmas Child and I decided I was going to say something positive and I did. That was huge for me! I want to continue to be be braver and use words of good to overcome evil.
Cindy, that’s powerful! Great job on using your words for good! Great example. I want to remember to do the same. Praying God prompts me when He wants me to overcome evil with good! Hope you’re having a great weekend! Thanks for being here.
Barb calls me the Puppy Whisperer. I attract stray dogs, and when one finds its way into my arms, I say, “You’re coming HOME. You’ll have a lot of brothers and sisters, but you’ll NEVER be unloved and unwanted again.”
I figure the best way to fight evil is with love.
Well, a Barrett M82 (.50 caliber sniper rifle) works too. But love doesn’t make as big a mess.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/10/your-dying-spouse-395-caregiver-to.html
Andrew, I appreciate your humor, and how you take care of your dogs… stray or otherwise. Yes, love is the best way to fight evil. Thanks for always being an uplifting spot in the day!
I can be kinder to the people I work with–I get all Judgey McJudgerton on them when they don’t do things the way I think they should–my attitude slips out into my actions :/
My attitude slips out in my actions, too. You’re not alone, Anita. Thanks for sharing your heart through your words! Bless you!
Julie, did our brains collaborate this week or what? I love your take on the verse and the use of other translations. “What if you and I, as we set out to live real lives every day, chose to overcome evil by doing good? In every circumstance, in every conversation, in every thought? ” I’m with you!