“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21, NIV
In the early 1800s, a woman brought her husband to the doctor. He was nauseated, drooling, had difficulty swallowing, and was experiencing bouts of unexplained dizziness along with a fever.
The doctor checked over his patient, observing a bite on the man’s hand from a raccoon.
With a heavy heart, the doctor glanced at the man and his wife. “I’m afraid what you have is rabies. It’s not curable, and you will die within a few days. The disease is contagious, so it’s important that you don’t bite, lick, or kiss anyone else.”
At this, the man asked for parchment and a writing utensil. The doctor handed him the materials. “Are you preparing your estate?”
“No,” the man said as he began writing, “This is a list of all the people I want to bite.”
Forgiving those who have wronged us can be one of the most difficult acts on earth. Maybe your spouse cheated on you with someone else. Perhaps your parent was unsupportive or abusive toward you growing up.
Wounds like these can sting. But they don’t have to define your life. With the help of Jesus, you can overcome evil with good.
Prayer:
Lord, I can’t do this on my own. My flesh is crying out to repay evil with evil. Please give me the strength to forgive. Let me be an example of Jesus and His unending forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
