Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

Our natural reaction to people who mistrust us is to get frustrated and have an attitude of retaliation. Strike back and stop doing anything that is good to them. Jesus calls us to take a very different course of action. “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you … Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your father is merciful” (Luke 6 27-28, 35-36). To some that may seem like conceding defeat, or being naive. But God’s ways are not the world’s ways. True Christians are guided, motivated, and empowered by their identity in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:14-21 how we are to behave in a world where people are opposed to Jesus and mistreat us. Bless those people and rejoice, for our God will bring His peace in His time!