Be Overcomers, Not Overwhelmed
November 5th, 2020(Day 4 in our Election Week 2020 Encouragement series)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
It’s two days after the election, and there are clear winners and losers (and/or contested results!). While these daily readings have been our loving encouragement and exhortation to anchor our hope and faith not in the outcome of these elections, but rather in the truth of the gospel and God’s love and power over all things, there are likely some spiritual battles occurring in your hearts and minds. Perhaps the reality of the elections is setting-in (in our minds), but our hearts are still fighting this reality and what’s taking place right now in our country. And on top of that, we may already be weary of what has been happening related to COVID and the lawlessness that we’ve seen on the news. All of this together can be quite overwhelming.
In times like these, it’s easy to become frustrated, impatient, and short-tempered. We lash-out at things and people with whom we disagree and also at those who offend us and/or hurt us. Strangers, and perhaps even close friends and beloved family members, quickly become enemies in the moment, and we need to set them straight. After all, we’re clearly right and they’re simply ignorant or flat-out wrong and deserve a bit of our reproof … or so we sincerely believe.
Let’s not forget Paul’s admonition to the believers in Rome (and by extension, to us): “Do not be overcome by evil …” (Rom. 12:21a). Did you know that this instruction has two meanings and applications? The more obvious one is to not allow the evil in our world, including the evil done to us directly or indirectly by other people, to overwhelm us. However, and perhaps more importantly (and especially in the context of this year), we must not allow ourselves to be overcome by our own evil responses. Arguably, it is our own evil that is more harmful and impactful to ourselves than the evil done to us by others.
How do we avoid being overcome by evil? Paul finishes his earlier instruction in verse 21, “… but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21b). Earlier in Romans chapter 12, Paul also instructs, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor … Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” (v. 9-10, 17).
Church family, we must choose to abhor what is evil. And let’s focus first on our own sinful behavior – our thoughts/attitudes and actions/responses. No more critical or snarky comments. No more gossiping, even having those private (i.e., “Just between me and you …”) conversations where we’re so critical of others.
But we’re only halfway there … merely stopping ungodly, evil behavior does not fulfill our responsibility as followers of Jesus Christ. Further, and even more critical and perhaps more challenging, we are called to take the initiative to love one another and outdo one another in showing honor. Regardless of the outcome of the election this week, let us purpose to live humble, holy lives as we think and act in a way that honors God and others.
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3a). Abhorring evil and holding fast to what is good, even in the face of an overwhelming week (and month and year), is possible, so be encouraged! Let’s get to work being overcomers!