
Sermon: Overcoming Evil with Good
In a world filled with darkness, temptations, and various forms of evil, the call to believers is to be a light. It is easy to think that fighting evil requires force, retaliation, or harsh measures. However, the Bible presents a radically different way of overcoming evil — by doing good. This principle is woven throughout scripture, providing both practical and spiritual wisdom for us today.
The apostle Paul, in Romans 12:21, states, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This verse is a powerful summary of how believers are to handle the struggles and evil they face. Rather than responding in kind, Christians are called to respond in a way that reflects God’s love, mercy, and righteousness. Let us explore what it means to fight evil with good, drawing on biblical examples and verses.
1. Understanding Evil: The Nature of the Enemy
Evil is not just a physical force but a spiritual reality. The Bible defines evil as anything that goes against the will and nature of God. It manifests in various forms such as sin, injustice, hate, lies, and violence. Satan, the adversary, is often seen as the instigator of evil (Ephesians 6:12). As believers, we must recognize that our fight is not just against flesh and blood but against “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
However, evil is not omnipotent. Its power is limited, and God has equipped us with spiritual weapons to combat it (2 Corinthians 10:4). One of the most potent weapons is goodness itself.
2. The Example of Jesus
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of overcoming evil with good. Throughout His ministry, He faced opposition, persecution, and ultimately death on a cross. Yet, at every point, Jesus responded with grace, truth, and love.
When Peter tried to defend Jesus by striking the high priest’s servant, Jesus told him to put away his sword, saying, “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Jesus chose not to retaliate with violence, even though He had the power to call down legions of angels to defend Him (Matthew 26:53). Instead, He embraced suffering to fulfill the greater purpose of salvation.
On the cross, Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This profound act of goodness in the face of immense evil sets the standard for all believers.
3. The Command to Love Our Enemies
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This teaching is radical because it goes against human nature. Our instinct is to seek revenge or at least harbor bitterness toward those who harm us. However, Jesus challenges this mindset by pointing us toward a higher way.
Romans 12:17-19 reinforces this teaching: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone… Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.” The idea is clear: our role is not to execute judgment or repay evil deeds. That is God’s domain. Instead, we are called to respond with goodness, trusting God to handle justice.
4. Practical Ways to Overcome Evil with Good
a) Forgiveness
One of the most powerful ways to fight evil with good is through forgiveness. When we forgive, we break the cycle of retaliation and bitterness. Jesus taught that forgiveness is essential in the life of a believer. In Matthew 6:14-15, He said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Joseph’s story in the Old Testament is a prime example of overcoming evil with good through forgiveness. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph had every reason to seek revenge. However, when he was finally in a position of power, he chose to forgive them, saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
b) Serving Others
Another way to combat evil is by serving others, especially those who have wronged us. Romans 12:20 teaches, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” This is not only a way to show the love of Christ but also to disarm evil. By serving others, we reflect the heart of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
In 2 Kings 6:22, the prophet Elisha displayed this principle when he captured an army that came to kill him. Rather than destroying them, he fed them and sent them home. As a result, they no longer raided Israel. Elisha’s kindness overcame their hostility.
c) Peacemaking
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Creating peace in the midst of conflict is a way to overcome evil. This does not mean avoiding confrontation but addressing issues in a spirit of reconciliation and love. Peacemaking requires humility and the ability to put others’ interests above our own.
The story of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25 is an example of peacemaking. Her husband, Nabal, insulted David, prompting David to plan an attack. However, Abigail intervened with wisdom and humility, bringing gifts and asking for forgiveness on behalf of her husband. Her actions not only prevented bloodshed but also turned David away from sin.
d) Speaking Truth
Evil often thrives on lies and deception. One way to fight evil is by speaking truth. Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to speak “the truth in love.” This means that while we must address wrongs and call out sin, we must do so in a way that reflects Christ’s love.
Jesus consistently spoke truth to the religious leaders, exposing their hypocrisy, but He did it with the intent of drawing people back to God. In John 8:32, He says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Speaking truth, when done in love, brings freedom and exposes the works of darkness.
5. Trusting in God’s Justice
One of the reasons people struggle to overcome evil with good is the fear that evil will go unpunished. However, the Bible assures us that God is just, and He will judge all wrongdoing. Hebrews 10:30 reminds us, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” This gives us the freedom to let go of the desire for revenge and trust in God’s perfect judgment.
David often found himself in situations where he could have taken revenge on his enemies, particularly Saul. However, he chose to trust God’s timing and justice, refusing to harm the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:6). His restraint and faith in God’s justice allowed him to be a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).
Conclusion
Fighting evil with good is not a passive response, but a powerful and active one rooted in faith, love, and trust in God. The world may tempt us to repay evil with evil, but the Bible calls us to a higher standard — to repay evil with good. By forgiving, serving, making peace, and speaking truth, we can overcome evil in a way that reflects the heart of Christ. Ultimately, we trust in God’s justice, knowing that He will right every wrong.
Romans 12:21 sums it up beautifully: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Let us live out this truth daily, shining the light of Christ in a dark world. Amen.
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