OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD – Charles Spurgeon
Overcome Evil with Good
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
This is a very powerful verse, and its simple form greatly assists the memory. It can easily be called a Christian proverb. I would recommend every Christian to learn this verse by heart and always have it ready for use. There are many other proverbs quoted to give weight to unchristian principles, but here is one that comes from Scripture itself. Carry it with you, and use it as a weapon to deflect the teachings of worldly wisdom: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
The text presents us with a clear choice: we must either be overcome by evil, or we must overcome evil. There is no middle ground. You cannot simply ignore evil, for it will not ignore you. You must fight, and in this battle, you will either conquer or be conquered. There is no avoiding the conflict. Just as a Scottish officer once said to his troops when they faced the enemy, “Lads, there they are: if you dinna kill them, they’ll kill you.” So does Paul prepare us to face evil with a choice: to overcome, or be overcome. The battle must be fought through to the end, and it can only close with a decisive victory for one side or the other.
The Consequences of Being Overcome by Evil
To be utterly overcome by evil would be a dreadful thing, and it is best if we never experience it. May we, by divine grace, always remain victorious! May we be “more than conquerors through Him who loved us,” and may we remain blissfully ignorant of the defeat that comes from being overcome by evil. To be overcome by evil—even momentarily—reveals the sad weakness in our spiritual life. It shows that we are still immature in grace, and sadly carnal. If we were stronger in the Lord, we would overcome the world through faith.
John writes to young men saying, “You are strong and have overcome the wicked one.” Being overcome by evil brings great sorrow, especially when we are in our right mind. A tender conscience will be vexed, and when we look back at our fall, it will bring grief that we allowed ourselves to be overcome. To be overcome by evil is dishonoring to our Lord and gives adversaries an opportunity to mock us. Those who eagerly await our downfall will take every chance to make much of it. If this defeat were not occasional but continuous, it would prove that we were not true to Christ, for those born of God overcome the world. Our Lord said, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” and He makes all His true disciples partakers in this victory.
Victory in this battle is a matter of necessity. We must triumph over the powers of darkness! Few words are necessary, but the meaning is weighty: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” In this conflict, good is the only weapon we are permitted to use. Rest assured, it is more than sufficient. Using any other weapon is unlawful and impossible because he who wields the sword of evil is no longer a soldier of Christ.
The passage refers to personal injuries, and we will focus on that particular point, though the principle can be extended. In the fight against sin and error, our weapons must be holiness and truth. The text’s focus on personal injury is clear from the preceding verses: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.” The common method of overcoming evil is to return evil for evil, but the divine method is to overcome evil with good. Let us now consider both.
I. The Common Method of Overcoming Evil: Revenge
The common method of overcoming injuries is returning evil for evil. “Give him a Roland for his Oliver,” “Give him as good as he sends,” “Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander,” and “Six to his half dozen” are proverbs that promote revenge, or at least meeting evil with evil.
The retaliation of evil with evil is a natural response; it comes easily to us. Even a child will quickly learn to strike back when hurt. It is natural for the animal instinct to rise and defend oneself when wronged, but we must ask, is it natural to our new spiritual nature? The impulse to return evil for evil arises from the animal nature, not from the new creation in us that reflects the nature of God, which is love, gentleness, and kindness.
Good for evil is divine. It reflects God’s nature. Good for good is human. Evil for good is devilish. But evil for evil is beast-like. It reflects the nature of an animal that fights back when injured, and it is not the nature of Christ. As followers of Christ, we are not to let our lower nature rule us. Instead, we are to yield to the new life in us, the life that reflects the image of God.
The Illusions of Justice
Returning evil for evil may seem just, but can we really stand before God and receive the same justice we mete out to others? “He shall have justice without mercy that shows no mercy.” Is that the kind of justice we seek for ourselves? No, our best and only hope lies in the mercy of God, who freely forgives offenses. If we are to receive mercy from God, we must also extend mercy to others.
The Ease of Revenge
Returning evil for evil is easy. If you decide that no one will insult you without paying for it, you won’t need to pray or ask for help. It will come naturally, fueled by anger. You will not need faith, humility, or gentleness. You will be able to defend yourself by relying on your own passion or the law.
But is this truly the right course of action? If this approach is so easy for the worst of men, can it possibly be the right way for Christians? If the divine plan of love requires great grace and struggle to follow, does that not make it more certain to be the right course? When we take vengeance into our own hands, we lose more than we gain. We harm ourselves far more than we harm our adversaries.
II. The Divine Method of Overcoming Evil with Good
Now, let us consider the divine method: overcoming evil with good. Overcome evil with good!” you might think. “Ridiculous!” or “Utopian!” some might say. But I must freely admit that this is a high standard—one that the mere worldling cannot follow. However, for Christians, this is the calling: you have been called to a high standard by your glorious Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ. If it is difficult, it is all the more worthy of your efforts, for the things that are good are often the hardest to attain.
Notice that this text does not merely call for passive non-resistance. It goes further, teaching us active benevolence toward our enemies. If anyone wrongs you, don’t simply forgive; go a step further and serve them. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink. This goes beyond mere forgiveness; it is a divine calling to repay evil with active goodness.
Practical Examples of Overcoming Evil with Good
Consider Dr. Cotton Mather, who could never be content until he had done a good deed for anyone who had wronged him. If someone slandered him or treated him unkindly, he went out of his way to help them. This is the kind of practical goodness we are called to as Christians. It is not just about forgiving; it is about actively doing good to those who hurt us.
The divine method works because it protects you from evil. If someone curses you and you bless them in return, their curse cannot touch you. If they slander you and you remain silent and do not retaliate, they cannot damage your character. If you respond to provocation with calm, the provocation will not touch you. The one who seeks to provoke you is the one who is defeated.
A Story of Overcoming Evil with Good
Consider the story of William Ladd, who faced constant trouble from a neighbor’s sheep. Initially, he thought of retaliation, but then he chose the path of peace. Instead of punishing his neighbor, he offered to care for the sheep himself. His kindness shamed his neighbor, and the issue was resolved. That is overcoming evil with good!
Conclusion: The Glory of Christ in Overcoming Evil with Good
Returning good for evil reflects great honor upon Christ. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return. He prayed for those who mocked Him. His example is the ultimate model for us, and we are called to follow Him. Let us be willing to say, “I am a Christian, and my resentments are over. What can I do to serve you?” Let us resolve to live lives of love, just as Christ has taught us, and to overcome evil with good. May God empower us to do this, for His glory and the good of those around us.
Charles Spurgeon