The year was 1967. Crowds had gathered outside the Pentagon to protest the ongoing Vietnam War. Members of the 503rd Military Police Battalion formed a semi-circle and pointed their rifles toward the protestors. It was a tense moment, in a tense era, in a tense world.
But then hope seemed to break right through the moment, as a young man stepped forward to place carnations inside the officers’ barrels. American photographer, Bernie Boston, captured the moment in a shot entitled, “Flower Power.” The photograph moved the nation so profoundly, it earned Boston a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize, and the ethos of an entire generation was captured and preserved.
Whatever your political beliefs, as Christ’s followers, we’ve been given clear marching orders to protest the evil so prevalent in our world. We don’t fight with rebel fists, clenched in rage. Our assignment is to do good, to combat evil with righteousness, darkness with light, lies with truth, hatred with love.
Though it sounds warm and fuzzy, we cannot expect the world to respond to us with heart eyes. Jesus Himself warned us that they would instead take up arms against us.
“If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world,
but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you” (John 15:18–19).
This battle is not new. There is no bait and switch. Jesus is clear: we will offer love and receive something else in return. Our good deeds may fall on deaf ears, or worse, turn others against us. Knowing this to be true from his own experience, Peter sought to encourage believers who faced suffering for the sake of the gospel. He told them, “It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17).
Because of Christ, we are free to face such reactions from the world without the element of surprise. As in all things, Christ goes before us. He absorbed insults for His wisdom, betrayal for His faithfulness, and lashings for His love. Because of Him, we can bless when we are cursed, do good when others seek to harm us, and love when we are hated. We stand ready with hope, in a dark world that needs hope so desperately.
May we follow the example of our humble Savior, Church. May our hope in Jesus prepare our hearts for the battles we may face because of our love for Him. Let the world hurl their worst in our direction. Because of Jesus, we stand ready, eager to see hope break through.
But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with
gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15–16).
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38 thoughts on "Do No Evil"
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“As in all things, Christ goes before us. He absorbed insults for His wisdom, betrayal for His faithfulness, and lashings for His love. Because of Him, we can bless when we are cursed, do good when others seek to harm us, and love when we are hated.“ This ❤️
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I think the commands Jesus gives us here responds as much to our emotions as it does to our actions. So many times we think our emotions are our true perceptions of the situations, when in reality, they are so earthly that they can deceive us time and time again. The initial anger that comes with being hurt, is not the right response. The sadness that comes from a loss, is often so overwhelming that we forget a child just returned home to their father. The want for earthly things can feel like a seismic pull, but we are called to share what we have and allow God to provide what we need. Lord help me to not trust my own emotions, but to trust who you are- untainted by the expectations and guidelines of the world. Help me replace initial reaction, with commands of your Word. And help me to keep my eyes on you Lord, in every way as I turn from evil to fix my eyes on your will. Thank you for being such a good Father who knows we cannot be perfect and always act in the way you called, but the best thing is-is that you always stay the same. You will always react with mercy, rightneousness, and fair judgement-Lord let you actions towards me be a template for my heart towards others!
Well said ❤️
Our Pastor was talking about how Jesus was a forgiver. He was insulted, betrayed, and persecuted, but He forgave. He was saying that when he thinks of the pile of sins from his own life that Jesus forgave and paid the price for, he has to forgive. He said it flows out of him quickly, because he knows how much he’s been forgiven. He also said that Jesus had blood on His face after praying in the garden before His arrest. When Judas betrayed Him, He still called him friend. He also said that when Judas kissed Him, it wasn’t a peck on the cheek. I would have been done multiple times with force. Judas was the first to encounter Jesus’ Blood. I never thought of that. The sermon really made me think of how to treat others. I was at the 9 o’clock service, but here is a link to the later service. http://maog.org/ Just click on the livestream to watch.
So much of life is a fine line. Do no evil, and, give a blessing is not the same as being a “people pleaser.” What is my motivation when I honor and love God, listen and obey, love others as He loved ? I like to be liked. I like to have friends and for life to be as easy as possible. However, my motivation for doing what is right must be to honor God. It must come from a heart sold out in love with Him. Being devoted to what is good is not necessarily a ticket to ease, being liked, or respected on earth. If I suffer for righteousness, my response needs to be gentleness and respect, continued good conduct with a clear conscience. Jesus is my example. He is my covering, my clothing, my peace and hope.
Thank you, Angie. Echoes my heart.
May my life be a testimony today. May the power of the Holy Spirit ready my heart for today and the battle that belongs to the Lord. May he arm me with His love and strengthen me with His Word. May I face evil with His goodness.
If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world,
but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you” (John 15:18–19).
I don’t know why but reading this verse filled me with comfort and made me feel like I wasnt alone. There are so many times I think to myself the world is against me or everyone hates me. Why do theese people judge me have a problem with me l. What has NEVER went through my mind was that jesus went through the same thing! Jesus did! The world hated him before us, but yet he showed loved and compassion even when it wasnt always returned. So instead of me feeling guilty and bad for myself I’m going to turn to the one person who has been through and can get me through it. I dont know why I have never thought about the hatred he went through when I think about what I’m going through. Maybe I have never seen this verse but this just have me so much comfort and compassion for jesus because sometimes I dont remember the things he went through only what I have been through. And i ask him why its happening to me while forgetting it happened to him for no fault of his own. I cant wait to share this verse with my family and anyone who needs this. This was amazing thank you lord!
My thoughts exactly! Well said, Caitlin. Thank you, Jesus, for never allowing us to be alone!