Evil can come at us from almost anywhere—sometimes from the people closest to us. And when we’re mistreated, betrayed, attacked, or sinned against repeatedly, everything in us may want to fight back.
We may use anger, retaliation, the silent treatment, gossip, bitterness, manipulation, or simply determine to make the other person pay.
But God commands us to overcome evil in a radically different way.
His answer isn’t weakness or pretending sin doesn’t matter. Neither does it mean allowing someone to abuse us without consequences. Instead, God gives us a powerful weapon that runs completely contrary to our natural inclinations: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Today we’ll look at three women who faced painful, difficult circumstances and chose, imperfectly but faithfully, to respond God’s way. Their stories had remarkable endings. Ours may or may not. But God’s command and His promise remain the same.
We’ll also talk about what it means to have a steadfast heart and how trusting God can help us remain faithful even when our circumstances don’t change.
Most of us probably wouldn’t say outright, “I’m not going to obey God.” Instead, we’re more likely to say, “I know I need to, but …” or “I’ll deal with that later.”
Maybe it’s a relationship we know needs to be reconciled, a sinful habit we need to put off, a spiritual discipline we’ve neglected, or something God has called us to do that we keep postponing.
But Scripture doesn’t give us the option of obeying God when it’s convenient or when we finally feel ready. Delayed obedience is disobedience. And so is partial obedience.
So, is there an area where you already know what God’s Word says but keep putting off doing it? Why are delay and partial obedience so dangerous? And if you’re struggling to obey, where can you turn for help?
Today we’ll look at those questions, along with some practical ways we can help one another grow in faithful obedience and some of the biblical resources I’ve found most helpful in counseling and discipleship.
Discipleship is the process of growing in faith and spiritual maturity through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a lifelong commitment to learning and growing that happens through regular prayer, Bible study, and being part of a Christian community. It includes learning to share the gospel with others and helping them grow, too, all an essential part of the Great Commission.
One of the most concise Biblical instructions for parents appears in the book of Ephesians where it says, “… do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Some of the ways we provoke our children to anger are obvious, but others may be less so. Could you be provoking your children to anger in ways you haven’t realized?
I’ve noticed that most people either find prayer a natural part of their Christian life or thoroughly enjoy studying the Bible. But rarely, have I met someone who says both come easily and naturally to them. Yet, it’s the two...
When sin entered the world it was accompanied by an uninvited guest … FEAR. Yet, the Bible tells us over 450 times, “fear not” or similar words. Find out the two root causes of fear and learn to overcome it biblically in your own life.
Welcome once again to Mondays @ Soul Survival. Each week I’ll feature a book that I consider a valuable resource. This week’s selection is When Life Is Hard by James MacDonald, one of the best books I have ever read...
