Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Some people will be ready to make peace. Others will resist reconciliation. We are to love our enemies do good to those who hate us and pray for them. God will reward us (See Luke 6:27-28, 35-26). Instead of trying to live contrary to Christ’s commands and justify wicked thoughts or actions towards adversaries, we should be obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 20:3-5). Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-20). Our identity and status in Christ calls us to be reconcilers. Our weapons are spiritual (Ephesians 6:10-18, Galatians 5:22-23). Romans 12:14-21 calls us to live on a higher plane. We are not to be passive towards evil. We should go on the offensive in order to win our adversaries over to truth and into right relationship with God.
CONTROL YOUR TONGUE
Make every effort to be gracious with your words. Be truthful and helpful with your words. (1 Peter 3:9).
Make every effort to be gracious with your words. Be truthful and helpful with your words. (1 Peter 3:9).
SEEK GODLY ADVISORS
These friends should be willing to correct and admonish you when they see that you are in the wrong (Proverbs 27:5-6). Good advisors are not “yes-men.” Godly advisors help you stay the course when following Biblical principles don’t see to work right away and you are tempted to used sinful or worldly tactics.
KEEP DOING WHAT IS RIGHT
See Romans 12:17. When dealing with conflict, we should plan carefully so that any reasonable person who is watching will eventually acknowledge that you did what was right (1 Peter 2:12, 15, 3:15-16).
RECOGNIZE YOUR LIMITS
Even when we are doing right, some will accuse of us wrong. We cannot force people to think or do right. Nevertheless, we can be comforted that we acted right before God and that we’re doing what we can to live at peace with others (Romans 12:18). It is not wise or necessary to waste time, energy and resources fretting about someone who stubbornly refuses to reconcile. The world looks for results; God looks for faithfulness (Ecclesiastes 12:13b). Read Proverbs 20:22. God ultimately will deal with unrepentant people through the church (Matthew 18:17-20), civil courts (Romans 13:1-3), or even through handing them over to Satan (1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20).
USE THE ULTIMATE WEAPON
Use deliberate, focused love. See Romans 12:20-21. Don’t just do good in general. See to meet the real needs of your adversary.
SUMMARY AND APPLICATION
Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do to you. If anyone is caught in sin, gently restore them. Speak the truth in love. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Which worldly weapons have you been using or are you tempted to use in conflict?
2. To whom can you turn for godly advice and encouragement?
3. Have you done everything in your power to live at peace with others? Is it ever appropriate to ever turn to the church or civil authorities to seek assistance in resolving disputes?
4. What need does your adversary have that God may want to meet through your deliberate and focused love?
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