Overcoming Evil with Good

Charleston names another place where where a heinous act results in earthly lives being suddenly cut short.  Jesus says:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  JOHN 10:10

Any time we do not honor another human being, the thief has come. 

Jesus came with honorable intention, stepping into the mess of humanity, bringing God's love and restoration to a hurting world.  

In the New Testament, St. Paul writes about love in action, calling those who follow Jesus to live in the same way:

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  ROMANS 12:9-21

WOW!  Slow down and re-read each sentence!  

Living this way is so contrary to human nature.  It is only by knowing the love of Jesus that one can even begin to function in this way.  Oh yes, it's not so difficult when we are minimally infringed upon.  It is another matter as the issues become larger.

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi has been in the forefront of my thoughts.  Just imagine how wonderful the world would be if all people lived the way this prayer reads!

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, 
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; 
to be understood as to understand; 
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; 
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.  

If each and every day,
we lived in honor of
the one who created life,

living for the good of another 

instead of self gain, 

knowing others are doing the same,

we would all be living LIFE TO THE FULL!