Pay it Forward!

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21.

The act of overcoming evil requires much courage; that courage is repaying evil with good. It requires so much courage that you must be willing to forgive yourselves and others for their sins. 1 Peter 3:9 says, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this, you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” Such an act is what we call to pay it forward when it comes to quenching evil.

Our Lord Jesus shows one of the most significant examples of repaying good with evil. Despite the maltreatment the Jews and Romans gave Him, He still prayed for their forgiveness. Repaying evil with good might seem foolish to some people at times. Never mind, the things of God are the direct opposite of the things of this world. We all know that For the foolishness of God is wiser than the things of humankind. What we see as God’s weakness is greater than humankind’s strength.

1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”

Paying evil with evil seems very typical in this world. It only requires the help of the Holy Spirit to do the right thing, doing the good at all times. Evil is associated with darkness, and we cannot use darkness to fight darkness; they are on the same team. However, if we must win, we have to tackle it with the light, which is the good mind Christ gave us. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). In order words, if Jesus would never pay evil with evil, then we shouldn’t if we genuinely claim we have His mind in us.

What benefit is there to repay evil with evil? It simply looks like you are playing “hide-and-seek” with the devil. Doing good to people who hurt you makes them tremble and feel weak over time. Sometimes, God uses that as a means to save a soul. Being kind to them places us above them; we move faster and higher than them. Until we shine our light on them, they might not know there is an option. Therefore, do not spread the evil virus but spread the gospel of Christ-like a wildfire. You must behave like Christ. Also, “Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and all people.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Prayer:
1. Thank you, Jesus, for your mercy and forgiveness.
2. We are called to be kind and loving toward others. Lord, give me the heart to love my neighbor as yourself.
3. Lord, help me to love everyone around me, including those who hurt me. Put your strength in me to do your will in Jesus’ name.