Good For Evil
GOOD FOR EVIL
Read Matthew 5:43-48.
“I can’t stand Manuel!” exploded Brandon. “He’s thinks he’s so cool, saying he met the mayor, they got a new car, they’re going to Bermuda, his dad’s on the city council. Blah-blah-blah!”
“Not jealous, are you?” asked Mom.
“No!” snorted Brandon. “Just sick of his bragging. If he’s not doing that, he’s swearing. Mom, why does God let him have so many good things when he laughs at Christians and swears?”
“That’s a good question,” said Mom. “It used to bother me, too.” She was interrupted as Misty stomped into the room.
“Mr. Matlock is so mean!” complained Misty. “He put barricades on the sidewalk in front of his house so Denise and I can’t ride our bikes there. Denise said we ought to do something to get even with him.”
“Oh no!” Mom shook her head. “Remember what we read from the Bible this morning? What did those verses tell you to do to Mr. Matlock?”
“Love him,” mumbled Misty.
“That’s not all,” Mom reminded her. “What else?”
Brandon answered for Misty. “Pray for him and do good to him.”
“Would you like to make some cookies, Misty?” asked Mom. “You could take a few to Mr. Matlock.”
“You’ve got to be kidding!” Misty said, shocked.
Mom shook her head. “No, I’m not. The best way to deal with enemies is to make them your friends.” As she got out the cookbook, she turned to Brandon.
“God tells us to pray for our enemies and return good for evil,” said Mom. “He’s giving them an opportunity to change from enemies to friends.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone who is giving you a hard time? Try the formula Jesus used. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
TO MEMORIZE:
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Romans 12:14
LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.
From the book
