Love Overcomes Evil

Paul’s instructions and encouragement to the church in Rome are inspiring—and so very applicable to us today. Rather than conforming to the patterns of the world, he invites Christ’s followers to be transformed. No longer will we be discipled by fear and self-preservation, as the world teaches. Now the Spirit will transform our minds. We are invited to live out of love. Paul lays out Jesus’ teaching beautifully.

Our love must be sincere, not merely something we talk about or a bumper sticker on our car. Love must be active, the fruit of our lives. We are to be devoted to each other, honoring each other above ourselves. We are to rejoice even when suffering comes. To bless even those who are harming us. We aren’t to take revenge but instead give food and water to our enemies. We are to share everything we have.

It’s all summed up by verse 21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is the Christian life. This is what it means to follow Jesus.

There are so many reasons to be afraid. The world is a dangerous place today—just as it was in Jesus’ time and in Paul’s time. In fact, this is why we are called to live out of love rather than fear. In fear, we may shield ourselves from evil, but then what good will we do for the world we are sent to bless? In love, we are invited to live active lives of goodness, a love that overcomes fear, and a goodness that overcomes evil.

Remember that Jesus, who was killed by his enemies, was raised to life by God. He appeared to his friends—who were anything but safe—and said, “Don’t be afraid.”

What an inspiring mission God has given us—in Jesus, in love! We cannot do this on our own, but God is with us, and we are part of the family of Christ.

Pray today that God will reorient your mind and your life away from fear and the patterns of the world, and into love and the transformation of the Spirit.