The believer who seeks to obey God is going to have enemies. When our Lord was ministering on earth, He had enemies. No matter where Paul and the other apostles traveled, enemies opposed their work. Jesus warned His disciples that their worst enemies might be those of their own households. Unfortunately, some believers have enemies because they lack love and patience, not because they are faithful in their witness. There is a difference between sharing in “the offense of the Cross” and being an
offensive Christian!

The Christian must not play God and try to avenge himself. Returning evil for evil, or good for good, is the way most people live. But the Christian must live on a higher level and return good for evil. This requires love, because our first inclination is to fight back. It also requires faith, believing that God can accomplish His will in our lives and in the lives of those who hurt us.

Verse for today: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12, NIV).

Also read: Romans 12:17-21; Matthew 10:36; Galatians 5:11; 6:12- 16; Deuteronomy 32:35.

Action assignments: Think about your most irritating enemy. Do you want to love him or fight him? Ask God to direct you in some specific action to show love to this enemy today. Precede this action with prayer for God’s help and you’ll be an over comer of evil with good.