EVIL FOR GOOD?

We meet all kinds of people in this world. The Bible, which is the written Word of God, unequivocally declares that, “…For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” – Romans 3:22b-23. This is absolutely true. However we find that many human beings are not fully wicked and evil in their thoughts, words and deeds. There are some very fine men and women. However, allow me to add this – whatever good one may have, it is utterly insufficient to help us with the predicament of sin, and its logical and natural consequences. This is the undeniable reality of human life.

Now back to the different types of people in our world. Many people do good things. They mean no Ill or bad to anyone. Even if someone does bad, wicked and evil things to them, they simply ignore that person, and carry on with their lives. This is not too difficult to gather from our interactions with fellow human beings. We also find people who are so totally depraved, wicked and evil that, they always repay with evil, for any and every good they receive from others. They are absolutely selfish, ambitious and self-centred people in whose world, others are merely usable things to help them progress towards their own prosperity, and towards enhancing their own power and position. The Bible talks about such a person, persons, groups or nation or nations in Proverbs 17:13, and about the consequences of what they do.
– “13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.” – Proverbs 17:13

When we read the above words of Solomon the wise, we understand this very clearly that…
– People can and will return evil for good.
– Our actions have sure and definite consequences.
– When we repay evil for good, we are displaying the “desperate wickedness of man’s heart” – Jeremiah 17:9-10.
– Repaying evil for good is the trait of the evil one.
– When we repay evil for good, we are displaying loud and clear, the traits of our father…the prince of darkness…whose heart can think nothing but evil…continuously.
– Repaying evil for good has serious and permanent consequences.
– When we sow evil for good, we will certainly reap evil, and never good.

As Christians, we are called to imitate the LORD Jesus Christ. We are called to be His followers, disciples and ambassadors. If this is our declared status, then what traits are we expected to demonstrate? 
– We are called to do good.
– We are called to walk away from evil.
– We are called to follow the LORD Jesus.

– If we repay good for good we are being what our Creator wanted us to be…humane.
– When we repay good for evil, we are displaying godly traits, and are being the children of our heavenly Father.
– When we repay good to others regardless of what they give us, the LORD who sees us walk this way, will help us and bless us in our lives.
– Because we choose to walk in God ordained paths, He will take care of all our needs, as He had promised – Matthew 6:33.

How are things going on with us? Are we repaying good for evil? Or are we repaying evil for good? Let us never forget that the righteous Judge, the God of all creation, the LORD God Almighty, the LORD Jesus Christ is watching everything that we do in our lives. May we be found, when our LORD judges us, to be faithful, obedient and just in all our dealings, who repay good for evil, and not evil for good. Even so, the LORD help us.