Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

— Romans 12:21

A man who was having great trouble with a neighbor who was doing him dirt came to me one time. I told him of the principle of returning good for evil and he said, “I just couldn’t to that.” He was right. The natural man can’t. It is spiritual. It is the greatest evidence of a truly regenerate heart to respond positively or kindly to enemies, to love our enemies, to bless them that curse us, to do good to them that hate us and despitefully use us. This is, however, what Christ tells us to do.

It is a defensive shield, so that no matter what anybody does to us, we can turn that into a blessing. We can transform that person by going the second mile, by turning the other cheek, by returning good for evil.

When we do good to those who hurt us, we are a part of the greatest triumph in the world. When Christ triumphed on the Cross over all evil powers and the devil himself, He proved that good is stronger than evil. Every time we do a kindness instead of “getting even,” we are triumphing over evil.

Question to ponder:
Can you think of something good you can do today or in the near future for someone—maybe even for someone who has hurt you?