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Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I was out at a local coffee shop. The parking lot was fairly full. As a spot opened up, two cars both seemed to go for it. I could not tell who was first, but it appeared both felt they had claimed the open spot. There was jockeying for the spot with slight lurches of their cars. Then the honking started. Then the yelling. Neither would back down. The name calling and horrible nasty language started up. It was quite a scene. Well, as this battle of words was going on, another spot opened up, and a third car just moved in, parked, and went in to get their beverage. It does not take much for things to escalate these days and bring out the not-so-nice, and sometimes even evil-like, side of people. One person makes a snide comment only to be returned with an even nastier comment.
The Bible encourages us to overcome those evil-like tendencies with good.
Luke 6:27-28 But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
Luke 6:31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
It’s being kind, looking for ways to encourage, help, affirm, compliment, and be nice. It’s giving people that cherished parking space or place in line. It’s not responding back with a negative retort, but with kindness. It’s trying to be helpful even when people are rude.
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
I believe if we would initiate doing good it could change the climate of our homes, places of work, schools, neighborhoods, and even cities. How could you do some good today? For doing good leaves little room for evil.
One place to both learn and practice doing good is at church. If you do not already have a church to attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church and would love for you to connect with us! Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our Sunday gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking to initiate good along with you,
Mike McKay, Lead Pastor, Neighborhood Church
