OVERCOMING EVIL

Baca: ROMANS 12:9-21

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Bacaan tahunan: John 13-15

The nature of sin makes some people tend to respond to evil with evil. Some even choose to retaliate evil with even more wicked actions. Starting from a mere mockery is enough to trigger a sense of refusal, which then develops into resentment and revenge, until finally daring to take a life.

Sometimes, people argue that they retaliate evil in order to teach a lesson so that the perpetrator of evil knows how it feels to be treated badly. However, instead of reaping good results, retaliating evil with evil is like giving feedback. They become more diligent in doing evil.

Yes, evil often relies on negative reactions to gain its power. On the contrary, goodness makes evil lose its power. When evil is responded with love, they will become weak. Goodness is able to overcome evil because goodness is able to touch hearts, restore relationships, and bring peace. Responding to evil with goodness can also break the cycle of revenge. Showing kindness to enemies can soften hearts and minds, making repentance possible.

No wonder if Paul as an apostle of Jesus taught the believers to always have sincere love, including blessing enemies. Believers must see enemies as a means to build themselves to be like Christ - who remains firm in holiness and love. While vengeance and retaliation, let them be solely God's right (verse 19, cf. Deuteronomy 32:35).
-EBL/www.renunganharian.net

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GENUINE LOVE IS A POWERFUL WEAPON THAT WE CAN RELY ON TO FACE EVIL

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