Using the SOAP method I’m doing a devotional called “Out of the Shallows” with Northpoint Church https://northpointchurch.org/ . This method of Bible study uses the acronym SOAP to dig deeper into scripture, rather than just casually reading through the Bible.
‘S’ is writing down the part of scripture that kind of jumps out at you, or seems to have meaning to you. ‘O’ is to observe what it is really saying, the deeper meaning or truth. ‘A’ is for application. How does it apply to your life? What can you do differently in light of this truth? ‘P’ is for prayer. What do you want to tell God or ask him to help you do about this?
Overcoming Evil With Good
Today’s Scripture:
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends… if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Paul, Romans 12:17-21
S- do not repay anyone evil for evil… If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
O– Interestingly, this verse starts by instructing us what not to do; the bare minimum that’s required of us is, at the very least do not “get someone back” for an offense. Then, very purposefully, scripture gives us an alternate focus; we are to attempt to live in peace with everyone. And finally – and I think it is a very gradual coming to this, for most of us – Paul tells us to actually return good to someone for their evil. Imagine that. What a fantastic and counter-cultural thought at that time in history! And even now, really.
Who ever instructs their kid to be nice to the bully? Who befriends the workplace jerk? Who seeks out the crabby cashier and pursues friendly chitchat? At best, we are told as children or know instinctively as adults, to avoid them. But Jesus? No way. He didn’t turn from trouble. Or from the troubled. He knew that to make any real change in the situation, there needed to be a heart change.
Going the Extra Mile
How’s that going to happen if people keep running away from the problem person? If all the “good” kids steer clear of the bully, what’s going to change? He will become more isolated, more misunderstood, probably lash out even more, and the problem grows. It’s no different for adults, really. The workplace bully gets that label – maybe since childhood. And all it does is invite hate, or worse – avoidance. Jesus wants more from us. We are called to be meek. We associate meekness with weakness, but it is really a quiet strength. Jesus’ version of meekness is strength and self-control under pressure. A meek person might look like they are “taking it” when a bully is dishing it out, but they are exhibiting self-control and looking for an opportunity to initiate a change in the offender’s thinking.
We are called to help others even when it’s uncomfortable. I think this is advanced Christianity. It’s not all about avoiding bad people, bad places, bad things. It’s about going the extra mile. Sometimes it’s about engaging them or even confronting them- gently and lovingly- to do the most good.
A- As a strong Christian, if I am one, I am called to do the work that others cannot. We are purposed and positioned, at times, to not only avoid doing the wrong things, but doing something about those wrong things. It can be messy, uncomfortable, even dangerous. Where in the world is there darkness, unfairness, oppression and people in need that cannot defend themselves against evil? That’s where I / we need to go, figuratively or literally. Even if it’s in our own backyard. Especially if it’s in our own backyard.
Praying for those who are doing terrible things is a great place to start, though it is so counter intuitive, we often do not think to do it.
P- Dear Lord, you are so good and I am humbled by your grace, that washes over me daily. Help me know when you are calling me to overcome evil with good. Grant me the strength, the wisdom and the courage to love those who are hardest to love and who need it most. Amen
Please join me for more of this journey through Scripture by journaling your own thoughts using the SOAP method. And if you would, by subscribing with your email address in the box, top right of this page. I would really appreciate your support in this way. Your email will not be shared in any way. Thanks!
Dear Sherry, thank you for your reflections. When I read your post, I remembered how profound I thought it was when Pope John Paul II forgave the person who shot him. I’m guessing (and I could be wrong) even for him it was a challenge to find it in his heart to forgive.
https://mashable.com/2015/09/30/pope-john-paul-ii-assassin/
Even on a lesser or regular scale we ask for forgiveness of “our trespassess as we forgive those who trespass against us”. Sometimes I think we may not even be aware of our trespasses. Psychologists and healers talk about the importance of ‘forgiveness’ is the process of healing. We can forgive ourselves (and ask for forgiveness) as well as forgive those who trespass (on any number of different levels!).
Thank you for sharing, hope all is well and hope to see you soon! ~ Mary
Thanks for your comment, Mary. I so agree with you that forgiveness is a huge component of the relational equation! And a necessary step if we are to ‘go the extra mile.’ Thank you for your thoughts!
Sherry I loved, meek not weak, that was very good. You explained not to avoid the problem but to learn self control and do what Jesus would do. I loved that too. I think we either avoid it or try and control it and let our anger get in the way.
I also think that everyone is God’s child and God has been working in me to understand that. Whether it is a person that our culture devalues or a person that is put on a pedestal, we need to love them the same. What matters more is not what we think but what does God think and how can we advance his kingdom.
Thanks