Overcome Evil With Good

This morning as I sought for the scripture for the Thought for Today, the Lord led me to two scriptures.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. Luke 32-33

And

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

What credit is it to love only those who love you and do good to those who do good to you? Jesus isn’t saying we shouldn’t continue to love those who love us. He isn’t saying we shouldn’t continue to do good to those who do good to us. We can build each other up and strengthen each other. We can help each other stay focused on what is important and help each other put worries and doubts to the side.

But what He is saying is that you need to reach out and love those you tend to reject.

That is when I understood what God wanted me to see with Romans 12:21 and I understood the purpose behind the message.

I know a young person who doesn’t wish to go to youth unless his friend goes. When I asked him why, he said because the youth there tended to be cliquey. Well, being in a house of God and feeling like you don’t belong is just not right, no matter who you are.

The people in cliques are not necessarily evil, but having the clique itself is not right. When you put yourself in a group and you don’t accept anyone else into it, unless they conform to your ways, is giving preference to some and turning away others.

In Christ there is no distinction between people. He does not give preference to one person over another. All people are equal and Christ loves each one the same. We should be the same way also.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

We should each be a reflection of God to all people. Even though they reject you, love them in return. By not returning love to those who reject you, then you yourself are not reflecting love the way God desires you to. We are to forgive, just as we desire to be forgiven.

Sacrifice yourself and honor the Lord. Take a step and reflect the love of God to them. Be a leader and show them what is right according to the word of God.

And remember…

Love does not take into account any wrong suffered – even rejection.