Good for evil!

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. 

Primary Text

“For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good – whether apparent or not] keep his tongue from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).” 1 Peter 3v10 (AMP)

It is amazing that this verse comes right after that which says: “Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God—that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection]” 1 Peter 3v9 (AMP). Brethren, we are here encouraged that “… “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” 1 Peter 3v10 (NLT). It is for our benefit then that we are encouraged not to render evil for evil or insult for insult. Don’t let yourself be provoked! Romans 12 (see below) also has a lot to say about how we should conduct ourselves in the face of unfair treatment. Finally, we also see that instead of repaying evil to those who do bad to us, one good we can do for them is to pray for them: “There is a saying, ‘Love your friends and hate your enemies.’ But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much. If you are friendly only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even the heathen do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5v43-48, TLB).

Supplementary Text

“When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don’t curse him; pray that God will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands. Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be “heaping coals of fire on his head.” In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don’t let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12v13-21 (TLB)

Prayer

Father, I thank You for Your Word. Father, I yield to You to be an instrument and force of good in the way You want me to be in Jesus name, amen.