Romans 12 is one of those chapters where every time I read it, some part pops off of the page. If I feel like my faith walk is a little out of alignment, it clearly shows me the path. It reads:
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:10–21).
This gives such clear guidance in how to navigate the tricky parts of today’s world, just like it did in the Roman days. We often lament that the world is in such a wicked state, and we’re not wrong, but it always has been. All these Bible verses speak to my heart, but I especially love the last one: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
The preceding verses teach us what “good” looks like. It’s a list of behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to the world. Joyfully hoping in God’s promises, being patient in suffering, praying instead of being anxious, looking out for others and sharing what you have, not getting angry, meeting people where they are on their journey, trusting God for justice, going the extra mile to put forgiveness into action.
If I start to feel despair or that my efforts are futile, this passage helps to reorient me to what is true. It is so simple, but it hits home every time! It tells me how to follow Jesus, no matter what troubling news headline is weighing on me.