Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Such a beautiful season of giving. The best gift Heaven gave us is Jesus. And the best gift Jesus gave us is forgiveness. Subsequently, He taught us to pray, ‘forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.’ So, the best gift you could give this season could be forgiveness.
Scripture tells us don’t let evil get the best of you. Rather, overcome evil and defeat it with good. Sometimes, saying you forgive someone might be easy to say. But showing it really shows the degree of forgiveness. Being able to pray for the person who has been the cause of evil, negativity, hurt, pain, etc. in your life; is a step towards forgiveness. Being able to bless them with a sincere heart is another step. Being able to see them through the eyes of the Father who abounds in mercy is yet another step. The only precaution you would need against evil is ensuring you not getting down at the same level.
1 Peter 3:9 says, ‘never retaliate when someone treats you wrongly, nor insult those who insult you. But instead, respond by speaking a blessing over them.’ Pray for their welfare, their protection, their happiness. Because that’s who you are! When you do this, you yourself inherit an abounding forgiveness and a rich blessing from the Lord. Know that the Lord watches over all things and looks on this attitude with approval. Remember Proverbs 16:32. Whoever is slow to anger and patient, is better and more honourable than a warrior!
