CHOOSE TO LET GOOD WIN- GREATNESS IS EMPATHETIC
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NIV
Since the Garden of Eden, humanity has faced the choice between good and evil—a struggle that began with Adam and Eve and continues to this day.
This battle can play itself out in many different ways. A child begins to test the limits of obedience at an early age. At school, students face the temptation to take short cuts or cheat on assignments. At work, the employee wrestles with how much effort they must put into their job. For the athlete, the desire to win and defeat your opponent can bring out a competitive evil side.
Last Sunday evening, two American football teams meet in the biggest game of the year. This annual event is one of the most viewed sporting events in the world. Each team strives to overcome the other. They push through challenges and setbacks to achieve their goal.
This struggle mirrors a deeper, spiritual battle we all face in life—the fight between good and evil. Each day brings choices for which side will prevail in our hearts and actions.
Romans 12:21 is a powerful dual statement about this struggle. The first statement is a reminder of that evil should not be in control. In the original language, the word “overcome” conveys the idea of triumphing over something. Athletes compete with the mindset to not let the opponent be the victor. For the believer, sin and evil must not win.
The second part of this powerful verse explains how we overcome evil: by triumphing over it with good.
Our natural inclination is to seek revenge, rejoice in someone’s downfall, or boast in your own strength. But believers live out the transformative power of Christ by responding to evil with love, kindness, and forgiveness. These are the true tools for victory.
In sports, teams often reflect the values of their coach and leaders. As believers, we must reflect the values of our leader, Jesus. Christlikeness is not a title—it’s an active way of life that enables us to overcome evil with good. A response of love, kindness, and forgiveness, show the transformative power of Christ. You can do this by forgiving a coworker who wronged you or choosing not to respond in a harsh way to criticism.
Today, choose to let good win—not only on the field, but in the battles you face each day.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Overcome evil with good often means doing things that seem counterintuitive.
Here are some of the things Jesus did to overcome evil by living with empathy toward others:
– Instead of demanding attention, Jesus moved quietly through the communities, transforming lives through genuine relationships.
– He sat with the overlooked.
– He listened to the ignored.
– He gave dignity to those society dismissed. Jesus’ approach was about creating spaces where others felt seen, heard, and valued, demonstrating great love in those moments. So often our idea of leadership is about asserting dominance and wielding authority; however, Jesus on the other hand revealed a radically different approach to greatness.
LET US PRAY!
God, when I am overwhelmed by brokenness, help to remember that You have Your Hands on me. Give me the courage and humility to Love others today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
