"Overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21).
In the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 we have seven promises to the "overcomer"; and at the close of the book, after describing the eternal state, again the promise is given, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things" (21:7). We are in a race which only ends when we take our seats on high; we are in a warfare, a "good fight," which ceases when we leave this scene. Blessed it is to know that we "run, not as uncertainly," that the end is sure, though there be conflict on the way. We follow a Victor, one who has conquered for us, and this nerves us for the conflict, gives patience in all toil. Still, it is well to remember that there is a conflict, a race, and that grace, while making the end sure, has not obliterated the wilderness.
We can look at this overcoming, however, not as the final outcome of our life, but also as that which should characterize each day of that life. Taken as a whole, the life of each believer is a victory (in some in a very small degree); but taken in detail the lives of many show more defeat than victory, and in every life there are some defeats. It is rather at the details than at the final outcome we would look now, remembering, however, that details make up the total, and that "saved as by fire," and, "an abundant entrance" are in contrast.
The conflict is with the evil one and his emissaries. His devices are manifold, suited to those whom he assaults; and hidden that he may better ensnare. We meet evil in ourselves, our brethren, the unsaved, and in the world as a whole. The question is, "How are we to overcome it?"
We do not fight evil for the sake of fighting. "Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" (1 Pet. 2:11). It is when evil has usurped some of our possession as believers that we are to thrust it out. With Edom Israel would have no conflict, for God would judge it in His time; but with the inhabitants of the land of Canaan the case was different. They were occupying what belonged to Israel, and therefore must be expelled. So it is with us. With the flesh, the sinful nature as such, we are to have no conflict, knowing that sentence has been passed upon it on the cross, and that in a little while it will be obliterated when "this mortal shall put on immortality." But when this flesh, used of Satan, would intrude into our spiritual life, occupy our time, demand our attention, interfere with communion and service, and dim our conception of the portion that is ours in Christ, then we must overcome the intruder and cast him out. Otherwise, like Israel, the good land will soon be out of our hands and we will be driven to dwell in caves, figuratively speaking.
Conflict, then, there must be, and that until the foe is completely conquered. But how are we to fight? Our text tells us how. "Overcome evil with good." Israel was to occupy the land they conquered. Mere victory over the foe was but a negative advantage, preliminary to that practical appropriation of the land to their own use which God had designed. So important was this that God made the elimination of the enemy to be as gradual as their power to occupy the land. "And the Lord thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little; thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee" (Deut. 7:22). The empty house of Matthew 12 is a solemn explanation of this. We sometimes see persons (even Christian persons) who have given up "worldly" activities such as drinking, smoking, dancing, and the movies, whose lives, instead of being filled with good, are filled with self-centeredness, criticism, and gossip. The giving up of the "worldly" activities has not resulted in a real improvement in their lives or Christian testimonies; Our life is a positive thing; it must not only be not evil but actually good.
And this is what our verse teaches us. Good will overcome evil. To him that hath shall be given. If our possessions are well cultivated and fully occupied, we will encroach on and drive out the next evil, in order that we may gain more of our inheritance. It is the good that we want, and we are to be occupied with evil only to see how it hinders us, to judge it, and in the energy of faith overcome it by good. How does the farmer rid his field of weeds? Not by plowing and leaving the ground bare, for new weeds would soon sprout and grow. He plants the field in wheat or grass, fertilizing it well. The wheat or grass grow thickly enough to give no room for weeds to grow. Let us learn from this in our private lives and in our relationships to others. We know evil is there. We do not shut our eyes to it, but we know it can be truly overcome in only one way_by the substitution of something better. There will be sorrow over sin and folly, firm judgment of evil and straightforward obedience, but these in themselves are powerless to overcome evil. They but prepare the way for the good.
It is important to remember this principle in our relationships in the family, the assembly, and even in the world. In the home, love and encouragement of spouses and children is as much or more needed for the promotion of good behavior as is criticism. How many an assembly of God’s people is kept feeble by a constant spirit of criticism. The good we see is forgotten and neglected. Love is the only power by which evil can be overcome. "Worldliness" will disappear when the person’s affections, time, and attention are so taken up with Christ and His service that he or she has no time or attention left to squander on empty pleasures, fashions, and attitudes.
But what is the good which overcomes evil? The answer is Christ in grace, known and loved. This embraces everything that concerns Him_His Word, work, Person, and Church. It is the occupation with Him who is perfect goodness that is the secret of power and joy. May He whose perfect goodness, patience, and love are dealing with all our waywardness teach us the full meaning of "Overcome evil with good."
(From Help and Food, Vol. 11.)
FRAGMENT It is said that Abraham Lincoln tried to pluck the briar and plant a rose wherever he thought a rose would grow. Commenting on this statement, someone observed, "And how few places there are where a rose will not grow!"
FRAGMENT This is my resolve:First, to attain the grace of SILENCE; second, to deem all fault-finding that does no good a SIN; third, to practice the virtue of PRAISE.