David Bahn – Reflections

Today’s readings are Romans 12:17-21; Deuteronomy 32; Proverbs 25; 1 Samuel 26. I’ll be away for the next few weeks. I will, however, attempt to post a link to the readings for the 49 Week Bible Challenge so you can follow the plan easily. During this time there will be no audio versions of these blog posts.

Romans 12:17-21

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Evil intent is cloaked in many different disguises. A smile can hide a vengeful heart. A soft voice can mascarade a prideful spirit. A kiss can distract from spiteful plans. So when Paul says do not overcome evil with evil, overcome evil with good, we must look beyond outward actions to the intent of our hearts.

We can never have perfectly pure motives. There will always be some sort of ulterior motives in our best actions. Whether it’s hoping God will notice our good deeds and reward us, or that our acts of kindness will endear us to our neighbor, or extra miles will gain us recognition by the boss: we will struggle with all of these as long as we are on earth. I’m remembering a classic Lutheran book, The Quest for Holiness: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Investigation in which the author Adolf Köberle emphasized that true Christian holiness flows from God’s grace in Christ, not human striving. Our striving will always sully any effort at living godly lives.

Yet here we have a calling that requires a quest: overcome evil with good. It’s right up there with Paul’s message earlier in this chapter that we live at peace with all people insofar as it is possible with you. We will never do it perfectly this side of heaven. But we are to reflect the love, grace, and truth of Christ.

Overcoming evil may mean that we struggle within ourselves against the temptation to take matters into our own hands. That’s when the grace of Christ becomes even more precious and powerful. Jesus overcame the fiercest evil by his goodness and grace, faithfulness and obedience to God – entrusting himself to God against all odds. By doing so he not only overcame evil, but won salvation for all who believe in him.