GOOD FOR EVIL

Stephen & Pam Ministries

GOOD FOR EVIL

5:49

 

The Kingdom of God has a strict policy: you never return evil for evil.  In fact, Jesus said to bless those who curse you.  But that’s good for evil!  That can’t be right!

You may know what it’s like to have someone say ugly, untrue things about you or steal or cheat you.  That’s evil.  The temptation is to try and defend yourself by hitting back in some way, but that’s not God’s plan for you.  It’s a trick to get you sowing bad seeds, approving a wicked harvest into your future.

Psalm 37:3 says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good.”  If you were to do a little bit of reverse engineering here, you’d see that doing good is the outcome of trusting in the Lord.  Let me say it another way that may seem like blunt force trauma.  People who are not doing good are often the same individuals refusing to trust in the Lord.  The lack of good action is proof they don’t trust God.

God put a universal law in place called the law of reciprocity. Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”  There’s a very good reason scripture warns us “do not be deceived” right before the law of reciprocity is defined as sowing and reaping.  There’s a strong temptation in the experience of life to reason that we’re justified in sowing bad seeds, but then free from reaping the consequences of those bad seeds. Basically, sow evil for good.

I’ve talked to Christians who think they’re justified in criticizing or scorning others.  They feel that if the other person warrants their criticism then they have permission to unload their verbal artillery.  This rationale is why many people who call themselves Christians are struggling outside God’s blessing.  It’s not good for them, and it’s not good for the body of Christ.  They misrepresent the love of Jesus, but they also activate the law of reciprocity against themself instead of in their favor.  

Listen to the instruction of Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”  Now listen to Jesus speaking in Luke 6:27-29, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.”  When Jesus spoke of turning the other cheek, the Jewish crowd understood He was speaking of someone whacking you with a vile insult, or even a slander.  He was not talking about physical violence and inviting another punch to the face.  Absolutely not!  Romans 13 talks specifically about government’s responsibility to restrain and punish physical violence.  

When Jesus was on His way to the cross and in the custody of the temple guards, He asked the guard who struck Him in the face why he hit Him unlawfully.  Trust me, God knows the law and works the law.  That’s why Jesus died for us according to the law of sin and death.  To do us good instead of evil and give us life eternal.              

Jesus never taught doormat theology.  You know, I’m a believer in Jesus so please go ahead and abuse me.  God’s Word teaches us healthy self-worth and recognition that we are His creation, fearfully and wonderfully made.  Jesus wouldn’t contradict love by somehow promoting self-hatred and sanctioned abuse for you.  Instead, the Lord was teaching us the strategic use of the law of reciprocity.

We can employ the power of blessing on an enemy by seeking their highest good. Jesus prayed forgiveness on those who were torturing and murdering Him.  When you bless others, yes, even those who curse you, you supercharge the blessing in your life.  It’s strategic though.  You must put the appropriate ‘good’ out to counter the specific ‘evil’ you’re dealing with.  Jesus used forgiveness, mercy, and grace.  These are powerful forces of good, but they’re not permission to tolerate evil.  You can employ mercy and still walk away from a toxic relationship.  You can forgive a person who slanderers you, which is good for evil, but still wisely eliminate the trust you once afforded that individual.  Jesus calls you to work the power of good in place of evil, but he doesn’t ask you to surrender to the influence of evil.  Never be unwise, but decisively accurate to do good unto others, as God will do good for you.  

Pray the Word: 

Heavenly Father, guard and keep me from all evil.  Open my eyes to see the trap of deception where I might feel justified to return evil for evil.  I am called to do good unto others, even if that good is in overpowering the evil that comes my way. Help me to remember that people who are hurt tend to speak that language and hurt others.  Help me to be like You Lord and sow mercy, forgiveness, and walk in Your amazing grace.  I choose to bless and not curse.  Help me not to tolerate evil, but to also quickly forgive.  Thank you for Your clear instructions Father God.  You help me walk the path of blessing.  In Jesus Name ... Amen!  

P.S.  You might feel like you need encouragement in dealing with a situation where you’ve been hurt, or someone did you wrong.  Don’t feel defeated or condemned but let us pray with you.  Reach out through our website at livingroomchurch.org either by phone, email, or inbox on social media. A minister will be in touch and share God’s encouragement with you.  God bless you dear friend and trust in the Lord.