Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Evil is all around us. Indeed, it is within us. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn said, “The battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man.” Paul confirms this idea earlier in his letter to the Romans.
For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do. Romans 7:18-19.
We are warned not to be overcome with evil – which means it's a possibility. We can be overcome when it surrounds us and we give in to it, when we dwell on it, or when we respond in an evil manner – tit for tat. When we don’t trust God and become fearful of the darkness around us, we give it power.
Conquering the sin and chaos around us begins with conquering the evil within us. Likewise, repelling the evil around us with good strengthens and encourages us to withstand it from gaining a foothold within.
We have been given armor to wear. We are equipped for battle by the Holy Spirit but we must engage in the fight. Spurgeon said that either evil will overtake us, or we will overtake evil. We cannot sit idly by.
Let’s not be battle weary, but immerse ourselves in good when the battle is thick. Think on Him. Recount His faithfulness. Meditate on His Word. Obey Him and love your neighbor.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
God has already won the battle and we need not be overcome. Jesus conquered evil, including the battle for our heart. But we are still called to resist and not give in to sin. By His strength, goodness can and will prevail.
… and the gates of Hell will not prevail. Matthew 16:18
