Do the opposite instead!

God is the God of love, unity, peace and restoration. As His ambassadors, the Spirit of God within us will lead us to walk in love and forgiveness. In Romans 12:17, it says that we are not to pay back evil with more evil. This is not honorable in the sight of God. We are to leave revenge to the Lord. He will repay people for the evil that they commit (v19). Instead, we are to do the opposite. We are to bless those who we would consider our enemies. The Lord reminds us today to NEVER let evil conquer us. Instead, we are to conquer evil by doing good, thus revealing the love of God to those who would do us harm. Matthew 5: 9,10 says: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.

Romans 12: 17- 21 “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them.  If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good”.

You are not alone in this battle!

The Apostle Peter cautioned us to be sober and vigilant at all times. The word sober means: be well balanced and self-disciplined. The word vigilant means: be alert and cautious at all times. Peter knew that we are in a spiritual battle. However, we are not alone in this battle. Our brothers and sisters in the faith likewise are also in a similar battle. 1 Peter 5:8-9 says: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” Peter reminded us of the power of our faith. We have the authority to resist the adversary, the devil. We are to resist him stedfastly in the faith. When we do that, he must flee. The word “steadfast” means: “immovable, firmly fixed in place”. Our faith is wrapped around THE ROCK, who is the Lord Jesus. This is why we can remain steadfast! James 4:7 says: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”. So be reminded today that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!