Today's Verse: Romans 12:21

Thursday, December 21, 2000

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
— Romans 12:21
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

A friend used to remind me that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or circumstances is this: "Don't become what you hate." He wasn't talking about hating the person, but he meant that we don't want to become evil, wicked, petty, and sinful in our actions and motivations - the things we hate about their behaviors. We don't overcome the devil by underhanded and dishonorable means. We overcome evil and drive it back into the abyss of hell with the evil one by doing what is right and filling our hearts and lives with goodness (Philippians 4:). There is no greater example of overcoming evil with good than Jesus. And the Spirit is working with us to transform us to become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), whom we love and desire to emulate.

My Prayer...

Holy God, please bless us with your holy character as we resist those who are critical, cynical, and vengeful toward us because we are followers of Jesus. Please help us respond to our critics in ways reflecting Christ's character and Lordship. In his name, the name of Jesus, we ask this. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

14 Related Resources by Heartlight

Overcome!
Illustration of Romans 12:21
Inspirational illustration of Romans 12:21 -- Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Don’t Focus on Getting Revenge
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"My friends, do not try to punish others when they wrong you, but wait for God to punish them with his anger. It is written: ‘I will punish those who....."
I Prefer 'Evil'
Article by Rubel Shelly
Why is it so hard to call it what it really is? Rubel Shelly reminds us that some people and some things are simply evil and no other term is appropriate or speaks the truth about the situation.
Living in Harmony
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, God of the lowly, Help me live in harmony with others - without haughtiness, without conceit, willing to associate with the lowly. Help...."
See All 14 Related Resources about Romans 12:21

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 12:21 — Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, December 21, 2000

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Colossians 3:16
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Enemies from the Province of Asia'
"The seven days [for vow-related trips to the Temple for Paul and the other four men] were almost ended when some Jews from the province of Asia saw....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Strengthens and Protects from Disaster'
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Transitions'
"Dear Faithful Follower, Life is full of transitions and changes as well as ups and downs. For the apostle Paul, these types of things were certainly...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse