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This I Believe: Evil is Real and We are Called to Respond

This I Believe: Evil is Real and We are Called to Respond

This I Believe:  Evil Is Real and We Are Called to Respond

February 8, 2016

 

I Peter 5:8 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 

Beloved, unlike other This I Believe entries, this one comes to you late in the evening.  That is because I choose to spend some time with my niece today.  I did so in support of her because she is facing bullying.  Not unlike others who have experienced this type of harmful relationship, it has come upon her for no good or, particular reason.

Evil, in its many forms, is real.  The question is, how are we, as Christians, to respond?  The advice of the Apostle Paul is not easy to hear.  In his letter to the church at Rome he reminds us to “Hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.” (Rom. 12:9) Clearly, Paul believes we should resist evil with goodness. He goes on to say, “Bless those who persecute you.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.” (Rom. 12:14, 17).

And so, today, my niece and I talked about how she might live into this reality.

When you face evil, every day evil, how do you respond?  I believe the texts from Romans tell us to seek justice and not vengeance, peace and not strife, love and not hate.  As you move through your day, hold in your heart that you are an ambassador of justice, peace, love and hope.  Seek to live out these values and, according to our God, we will overcome the evil that exists.