Overcome Evil With Good
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Romans 12:14-21
14. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. 17. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. 19. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20. No, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." 21. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I awakened this morning to a steady stream of the “headlines at the top of the hour” and it wasn’t very pretty! Locally, nationally and internationally, people are suffering--and it’s big news. When I got to my computer though, I opened an e-mail from one of my covenant sisters. She has been on a medical mission trip in Honduras and had a few moments to let us know how things were going. When I read her loving words, her upbeat downplaying of the conditions under which they are traveling, and the genuine affection she has for the Honduran people, I felt as if Verse 21 should be my mantra today. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
She and two other women from our church are putting into action these words from Romans. I have talked to these women as the weeks passed, and they became more and more excited, anxious, anticipating this adventure. All three of them share common traits: they are humbled to be used in this way; they are loving, compassionate women, and that is evident in their presence, not just because they desired to reach out to a people thousands of miles away from the comfort of their homes.
These women are not hearing the headlines on the news and clucking their tongues and shaking their heads in resignation. They’re not hanging their heads out of distress and discouragement as they head out the door into the world . They are uplifted and empowered and inspired to offer themselves as “human sacrifices” to God’s people. And I view them as more than role models. They are obedient servants of Jesus Christ and of mankind. It seems a small thing, perhaps to spend 10 days in Honduras. But these women have families, jobs, commitments--lives!
I hope my covenant sister will not mind my sharing a bit of her e-mail: “spirits have been high, humors excellent, safe travels daily, a beautiful place to stay with excellent food, and we get to work with and for very appreciative people. What more could we want??” What more indeed than to live out Paul’s instructions to us, Christ’s example for us. Her e-mail came at the perfect time for me today! God-planned time!
My prayer is that my sisters in Christ return safely. And that you imprint verse 21 in your mind and on your heart as you head out into this dangerous, anxious, frightened, and amazing world.
Mary
