"Wickedness hath been suffered to rise contrary to the Goodness, and the Goodness of Mercy and Grace contraried against the wickedness and turned all to goodness and to worship, to all these that shall be saved. For it is the property in God which doeth good against evil."
Julian of Norwich (Ch. 59)
We are encouraged to overcome evil with good because that is God's way of dealing with evil. Our beautiful God is nonviolent and peaceful. He is never harsh or destructive. He does not retaliate against evil with vengeance or retribution. He is love and love does no harm. This is beautifully exemplified by Christ who did not hate or curse His killers but instead prayed for their forgiveness and showed them no ill will. When Jesus rose from the dead He did not go after His murderers to seek vengeance, enact punishment, or demand payback. He simply came forth with arms open wide in love, bringing the light of His love and the power of the resurrection with Him to all. What a beautiful picture of overcoming evil with good! Wickedness or Evil was allowed to rise against goodness, but only so that mercy and grace could transform all wickedness and sin to goodness and propel humanity farther forward than we ever would have come if sin had not entered our story. God will wipe out evil by turning it into good. He will destroy His enemies by turning them into His friends. This is the wise way of our God, a wise way that is peaceful, gentle, and merciful, a way that is pure love. For love is stronger than evil, sin, wickedness and death. Love is what conquers evil, not wrath, punishment, retribution, destruction or violence. After all, scripture says mercy triumphs over judgment and where sin abounds, grace abounds more. Sin and evil are not everlasting, but God's love is everlasting. And it is this love and kindness that leads to repentance. God overcomes all evil with good. What a gentle, kind and loving God we have!
"If God makes you really wise, you will live in a completely good way. That is the most important thing. Also, you will live in a way that brings peace. You will be kind to other people so that they become your friends. You will listen to them and not argue. You will forgive them and do many good things to help them."
James 3:17 (EASY)
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21 (NIV)
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever."
Psalm 136:1 (NIV)
A Prayer: Thank You that You don't meet my wrongs with anger or punishment. Thank You that You meet them with love and forgiveness. Thank You for always overcoming evil with good!