Do Good to All People
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:17-18
Anyone reading this has been hurt by someone. We expect nonbelievers to do or say hurtful things, but my biggest hurts have come from people who profess Christ. How should we react when offenses come? Paul counseled, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Ephesians 4:1 calls me to remember that I am a prisoner of the Lord. A prisoner can do only what his captor commands. Therefore, the first question is, “Has Christ truly captured my heart, or am I holding keys to areas of my life that are ‘off limits’ to Him?” Only as He rules my heart can I feed my enemy when he is hungry or give him a drink when he is thirsty (see Romans 12:19-20). I must lay myself at the feet of Jesus in total surrender, thus allowing Him to defend me. By fighting back, I say to Jesus, “You are not able to protect me.”
Do I have to have my own way? Am I always right? Do I handle others with gentleness, like priceless treasures, or with harshness, as if they are rubber mats on which to wipe my feet? Am I understanding and patient toward others, or do I constantly criticize and find fault? As women after God’s own heart, we are instructed to bear with one another in love. This is a picture of helping carry another’s load. If only we took time to find out the burdens of others and came alongside them to help carry the weight, we would be a lot more like our Master and a lot less like ourselves.
Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Lord, capture my heart and make me more like You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
