“The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.”
(Proverbs 16:17, ESV)
(Proverbs 16:17, ESV)
Evil in this world causes terrible things. I would say that everything bad in this world has its origins in evil. Wicked or evil people do much damage. They think nothing of manipulating others for personal gain, abusing those who can’t defend themselves, or twisting the rules or laws to give them unfair advantage.
Because evil in people causes so much harm, chances are that you have been exposed to evil. In fact, you may have a broken heart or insecurity because of the wickedness of another person. It may also be possible that others were hurt by your sinful response, or you let emotions control your actions, or you did something unholy for your own personal benefit. Evil begets evil. Wickedness throws fuel on the fire of evil intent. The godliest thing you can do is stand up against evil.
The scripture for today comes from Proverbs, a book dedicated to godly wisdom. In Proverbs 16:17, we are taught that upright people “turn aside from evil”. This action provides a “guard” against walking on the dark side; slipping into wickedness yourself (Proverbs 16:17b). Because evil begets evil, the best way to stop evil from gaining a foothold in your life and world is to “turn aside” from it. Choose not to do it. Maybe, offer forgiveness and grace. Regardless, recognize evil for what it is: a malevolent way of life in opposition to God.
There are many people walking around who have suffered evil intent. They are filled with sadness, remorse, pain, frustration, hopelessness, even suicidal thoughts. These emotions are the inevitable result of a life that has been tainted with evil. It might be that this person with evil intent was hurt by another. It may be that he or she was the cause of the evil. Either way, evil will worm its way from one person to another unless someone puts a stop to it.
In the book, The Applause of Heaven, the question of how to respond to evil is considered. This is what was written:
“Perhaps the wound is old. A parent abused you. A teacher slighted you. A mate betrayed you.… And you are angry. Or perhaps the wound is fresh. The friend who owes you money just drove by in a new car. The boss who hired you with promises of promotions has forgotten how to pronounce your name.… And you are hurt. Part of you is broken, and the other part is bitter. Part of you wants to cry, and part of you wants to fight.… There is a fire burning in your heart. It’s the fire of anger.… And you are left with a decision. “Do I put the fire out or heat it up? Do I get over it or get even? Do I release it or resent it? Do I let my hurts heal, or do I let hurt turn into hate?” … Unfaithfulness is wrong. Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all is that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left.” (See Grace for the Moment, p. 380).
These words bring forth the idea that spiritual, emotional, and psychological wounds will occur in your life. With each, you must decide how to respond. In Romans 12:19, God is quoted as saying, “Vengeance is mine”. God is the best one to dole out punishment for evil. You may not respond to evil or wickedness in an appropriate fashion. In fact, your response to a wicked act might be just as wicked. Then, who is the evil one? 1 Peter 3:19 addresses this with the warning, “Do not return evil for evil… that you may obtain a blessing.” I know it is difficult to endure evil while responding with good. Still, that is what separates out the wholly faithful believer from a wannabe Christian.
On the cross, Jesus displayed HIS response to evil. Jesus was committed of crimes that were untrue. He was mocked by the soldiers. He endured public humiliation. He suffered greatly. What did Jesus do in return? Despite having every right to take offense, Jesus did not return evil for evil. Instead, he blessed those who persecuted him, even asking the Father in Heaven to forgive them (“for they know not what they do” – Luke 23:34).
Responding to evil, deciding how to handle it and deal with it and fight against it will be one of your most difficult tasks. How you choose to respond to evil will show how much you love God and how greatly is your respect for Jesus. If you lash out using evil against evil, you become part of the problem. If you let resentments and bitterness from evil done to you corrupt your thoughts and heart and soul, it will erode your relationships with others and God. I wonder how you will do in this fight against wickedness in our world. I pray God’s grace abounds and the love of Jesus informs your will!
Because evil in people causes so much harm, chances are that you have been exposed to evil. In fact, you may have a broken heart or insecurity because of the wickedness of another person. It may also be possible that others were hurt by your sinful response, or you let emotions control your actions, or you did something unholy for your own personal benefit. Evil begets evil. Wickedness throws fuel on the fire of evil intent. The godliest thing you can do is stand up against evil.
The scripture for today comes from Proverbs, a book dedicated to godly wisdom. In Proverbs 16:17, we are taught that upright people “turn aside from evil”. This action provides a “guard” against walking on the dark side; slipping into wickedness yourself (Proverbs 16:17b). Because evil begets evil, the best way to stop evil from gaining a foothold in your life and world is to “turn aside” from it. Choose not to do it. Maybe, offer forgiveness and grace. Regardless, recognize evil for what it is: a malevolent way of life in opposition to God.
There are many people walking around who have suffered evil intent. They are filled with sadness, remorse, pain, frustration, hopelessness, even suicidal thoughts. These emotions are the inevitable result of a life that has been tainted with evil. It might be that this person with evil intent was hurt by another. It may be that he or she was the cause of the evil. Either way, evil will worm its way from one person to another unless someone puts a stop to it.
In the book, The Applause of Heaven, the question of how to respond to evil is considered. This is what was written:
“Perhaps the wound is old. A parent abused you. A teacher slighted you. A mate betrayed you.… And you are angry. Or perhaps the wound is fresh. The friend who owes you money just drove by in a new car. The boss who hired you with promises of promotions has forgotten how to pronounce your name.… And you are hurt. Part of you is broken, and the other part is bitter. Part of you wants to cry, and part of you wants to fight.… There is a fire burning in your heart. It’s the fire of anger.… And you are left with a decision. “Do I put the fire out or heat it up? Do I get over it or get even? Do I release it or resent it? Do I let my hurts heal, or do I let hurt turn into hate?” … Unfaithfulness is wrong. Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all is that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left.” (See Grace for the Moment, p. 380).
These words bring forth the idea that spiritual, emotional, and psychological wounds will occur in your life. With each, you must decide how to respond. In Romans 12:19, God is quoted as saying, “Vengeance is mine”. God is the best one to dole out punishment for evil. You may not respond to evil or wickedness in an appropriate fashion. In fact, your response to a wicked act might be just as wicked. Then, who is the evil one? 1 Peter 3:19 addresses this with the warning, “Do not return evil for evil… that you may obtain a blessing.” I know it is difficult to endure evil while responding with good. Still, that is what separates out the wholly faithful believer from a wannabe Christian.
On the cross, Jesus displayed HIS response to evil. Jesus was committed of crimes that were untrue. He was mocked by the soldiers. He endured public humiliation. He suffered greatly. What did Jesus do in return? Despite having every right to take offense, Jesus did not return evil for evil. Instead, he blessed those who persecuted him, even asking the Father in Heaven to forgive them (“for they know not what they do” – Luke 23:34).
Responding to evil, deciding how to handle it and deal with it and fight against it will be one of your most difficult tasks. How you choose to respond to evil will show how much you love God and how greatly is your respect for Jesus. If you lash out using evil against evil, you become part of the problem. If you let resentments and bitterness from evil done to you corrupt your thoughts and heart and soul, it will erode your relationships with others and God. I wonder how you will do in this fight against wickedness in our world. I pray God’s grace abounds and the love of Jesus informs your will!