Overcome Evil with Good

Thursday’s killings at Ft. Hood bring a range of emotions including anger. When was the last time you were really angry?

As I drove home late Thursday evening, I listened to news coverage of the events. Early reports indicated the lone shooter is a Muslim who urged others to “stand up against the Aggressor.” The sense of outrage and anger was almost tangible.

The next thing I knew, I was thinking of a doctor friend of mine who works at one of the VA clinics in Cincinnati. He’s a Muslim and originally from Pakistan. I remember Ed Nye talking about Muslims who have experienced dreams or visions revealing Christ. Then I started praying for the doctor along those lines and for the safety of him and his family. If you know me, you know this does not come naturally. I lean heavily toward Truth and Justice in these kinds of situations.

Before you think I’ve lost my mind, consider what Paul wrote in Romans 12:14-21:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly Never be conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 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.” 20 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.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Read it a few times. Let it sink in. Overcome evil with good.

Seeing Clearly

On Friday mornings I have breakfast with a friend.  During the course of our conversation, he brought up the trouble he was experiencing with a computer and printer at work.  While I am no computer expert, I offered a couple of ideas to troubleshoo the problem.  I could see the light bulb go off in his eyes.  He had not considered the possible solution.  He was just a little too close to the problem to consider a few other options.

I don’t always see things so clearly.  These days I have enough trouble reading fine print- or a lot of regular sized print – without the help of my cheaters. Unfortunately the same can be true with my spiritual eyes.

This week I spoke with another friend in confidence about a matter of particular concern. I was surprised with his insight into the subject.  I was impressed with his compassion.  And as he spoke, I realized that I had not been seeing the entire situation with the kind of focus I need.  My eyes are more than a little cloudy.

He told me that while others may see prayer as passive, no act is more assertive. He spoke to me about the need to pray. Really pray. So I will.  And I’ll learn to really have absolute confidence in God’s character and His promises in my life and the lives of those who matter most to me.