Overcoming Evil

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21 ESV).

 

Today’s introduction to the devotional is not intended to be a commentary on current events. It is not a political statement of any kind. It is offered as a means of illustrating the principle found in our reading today. I actually came across it “coincidentally” as I was doing some research for today’s writing. It is one of those stories that are a bright light in the dark ugliness of our world. Carol Robinson, a writer for the Birmingham Real-Time News, covered the story which took place in December, 2016. Helen Johnson and five family members lived together in Tarrant, Alabama. At the local Dollar General, Ms. Johnson realized she did not have enough cash to buy a dozen eggs and her family hadn’t eaten for two days. She stuffed three eggs into her pocket, and they broke. An employee called the ­police, but the store decided not to press charges. Instead of arresting her, Officer William Stacy bought a dozen eggs and gave them to her.

 

As the story unfolded, Officer Stacy said he remembered going hungry himself as a child because his mother didn’t always have the money to feed him and his sister. When Ms. Johnson asked Officer Stacy how to repay him, he told her not to shoplift again. He went on to say to the reporter, “Sometimes the best route is to not arrest.” That, in itself is remarkable, however, it got even more so. Officer Stacy discerned that Johnson’s hunger, not her theft, was the evil that needed to be overcome with good, and God multiplied the good he did. A bystander recorded the incident and posted it on Face Book. Offers to help Johnson’s family came pouring in to the Tarrant police, who were able to provide enough food for them to stock their pantry.

 

Perhaps we all need to examine our path to overcoming evil.  The apostle is clear when he says, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (v. 21). My Dad used to say, “Two wrongs will never make a right.” He was correct, both philosophically and Scripturally. The only way to fix a wrong thing is with a right thing. I am aware there is much room for conversation about what the “right thing” needs to be. However, we must start with the wisdom and desire to overcome evil with good in our love for others through Jesus Christ. Join me in that commitment today.