Romans 12:21

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 12:21

“Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12-21

This verse lays out one of the more important attributes of Christianity; that being love.  And not just love in return for love, but love for all, no matter what.  There are many times when people will attack us, both physically and verbally.  Paul said a couple verses up, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.”  Romans 12:17. We must always do what is right in the sight of God and not simply acceptable in the eyes of men.  We must never take into our own hands any recompense for evil.

Paul goes on to say, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Roman 12:18. Our goal throughout our lives should be peace with all.  No matter what people do to us, we should show love for them.  Our positive reaction to attacks may be the very light that brings our attacker to Christ.  Remember, Jesus said the following, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16.

Furthermore, it is not our place to give recompense.  “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19.   We must stand aside and let God handle it.  Moreover, we are to go to the opposite extreme.  “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap hot coals on his head.”  We are to return kindness for evil.  Jesus once said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Matthew 5:38-39   He also said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:43-44.

Now with this foundation laid, let’s go back to the focus verse.  We must never let the evil of another cause us to return evil to them.  We must never let evil take control of us but on the contrary, we must overcome evil with good.  We must let our good deeds vanquish the evil in another.  Many times, by simply showing someone love, they will stop the evil they are doing to us.  They normally expect you to respond with hatred, which will only feed their anger and make it stronger.  We must not let their actions win the battle.  We must strive to be a witness of the love of God to them.

I know firsthand this is not easy.  However, we have a God that walks with us, who never leaves or forsakes us, and works through us to do His good pleasure.  We just need to submit fully and let Him give us the strength.  I have been amazed by how good does overcome evil.  Who knows what impact we can have on another, simply by submitting to God and humbling ourselves.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

John 16:33

Verse of the Day Devotion: John 16:33 

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 

Our country has been thrown into turmoil.  A man by the name of George Floyd died because a police officer suffocated him as He held him down on the ground.  The officer, as well as the other policemen involved with the death of George have been arrested, with the officer who actually pushed his knee into his throat was charged with 3rd degree murder.  This is such a sad moment in our history.  Yes, it was absolutely outrageous what happened to this man.  Was he engaged in an illegal activity?  Maybe, but this does not excuse the outcome of the police officer’s actions.  This has brought about major protests that have moved into extremely violent actions.  Many major cities finding retail establishments being destroyed and robbed of everything found within.  There are cars being destroyed by setting the inside on fire and churches are being set on fire in the same way.

It seems like every time we turn around, there are people who are attacking for almost any reason.  This happens to individuals and groups.  It is getting to the point where if we do not totally agree with someone, we stand the risk of paying the price as they take out their anger on us, just as we see people destroying property and attacking those who stand between them and what they desire.  What a sad season we find ourselves in.

 So, in these times, we need to find peace in our lives.  In John 16, we see Jesus speaking with His disciples about His departure.  “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.” John 16:28.  He again tells them that He is leaving to go back to the Father.  They now have a greater understanding than before.  “His disciples *said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. Now we know that You know all things and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” John 16:29-30.  Jesus answers with, “Do you now believe?” John 16:31.  The idea here is, ‘ Do you finally understand and thereby believe? He then states, “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” John 16:32.  Their lives will be changed in ways they cannot imagine.  They will no longer be with Jesus here on earth, but they will be scattered.  He will be alone when they scatter to their own places, however not entirely, for the Father will be with Him. 

And then He comforts them with these words, which is our focus verse.  “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.  These are powerful words spoken to them, letting them know that difficult times were coming; they would suffer trials and tribulations that go beyond anything they have experienced up to this point.  The world will be against them because of Him, but He tells them He has overcome the world.  And because of this, they  can have peace.

And these words are also spoken to us.  The world hates us and the closer we come to the end it will hate us even more.  And we must always remember this, so we are not surprised when it comes, and also to remember we are also not alone.  He is always with us.  We must stand strong against the world and what it throws at us.  And because He has warned us, we can have peace because, in todays vernacular, we are on the winning team.  So, be at peace, because if we experience incredibly difficult times as the end draws near, always focus on what He has promised us.  “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9.  A beautiful unending future that far outweigh anything we ever experienced here.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.