Devotions: Subduing Evil

 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

The literal translation of this verse would be “do not be subdued under worthlessness but subdue worthlessness with good.” We should not let evil control us. More than that, we should not be controlled by anything worthless or of wrong thinking. This is more than just being controlled by a bad person, but anything that is not profitable or incorrect ideas. The context of this verse is talking about dedicated service, how we are to use our bodies properly. We are to be transformed by God rather than conforming to the world. In that, we should be humble and serve others rather than demanding preferential treatment. We need to be godly in conduct and loving in action toward everyone, even those who mistreat us. Again we need to be humble, respectful and not vengeful, but leave justice to God. In that context I believe this verse is specifically referring to revenge. We should not be controlled by our feelings of anger and wrath so that we do something violent and wrong. Wrath and vengeance are God’s department. Instead, the way we are to respond in the face of mistreatment is by doing good, blessing those who curse us and praying for those who mistreat us. That is where the trap of wrong thinking can come in. We can be controlled by the idea that since the government is not acting justly we need to take justice into our own hands. There are many cases in the Bible that show this going badly (and not one shows it being good.) We are to always treat people with humility and love, putting them above ourselves. God is judge and jury, not us. If we aren’t careful, those wrong ideas can consume or overcome us. That is why we must subdue evil with good. In our own hearts, we need to focus on what is good, behaving in godly ways and surrounding ourselves with good, godly influences so that God’s goodness will subdue the evil tendencies and temptations within us. We all unfortunately have that sin nature still within us, and the side that grows is the side we feed. We need to feed the spirit not the flesh, and we do that with goodness, by pursuing God and His ways and surrounding ourselves with good influences rather than worldly influences. This works even outside of ourselves. We can’t fight fire with fire. We need to throw the water of goodness and love on the fire of evil. Will that guarantee that the bully will leave us alone forever? Not necessarily, but it will be a witness to him and others that we are God’s child, and in the future it may have a positive influence on him. However, it will most definitely keep the situation from exploding. If we respond to evil in kind, the evil grows exponentially, like throwing a grenade into a bonfire. The only way to keep it in check, if not put it out, is to respond differently, with love, truth and humility. If we treat them the way they treat us, it proves that we are just like them. We need to be better. Most people who bully are insecure and feel unloved, and being shown love may just be what they need. Instead of fighting a bully we could win a friend, or at least maybe save someone from a worse lifestyle ahead. We can show them Jesus.

What are you allowing to influence you? Which side are you feeding? Are you subduing the evil in and around you with good? Are you being controlled by worthless things and wrong ideas? Turn to God. Ask Him to help you surround yourself with godly influences and to give you wisdom in dealing with the evil around you. Ask Him to help you be a beacon of Light to the dark world you live in.

 

 

 

To view a video of this devo, visit my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/evelynbray.author

To receive these devotions daily, like my page or subscribe to my blog by entering your email in the subscription box to the right!

 

Translations of Greek and Hebrew words taken from blueletterbible.org