Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Overcome Evil with GOOD”

Bible Reading: Romans 12:9-21

Key verse:  

VS 21 Do not be overcome by evil,but overcome  evil with good.

DEVOTION

Romans 12:9-21 presents a radical paradigm for Christian living, culminating in the profound directive to "overcome evil with good." This passage, emphasizing genuine love, hospitality, and blessing towards those who persecute us, has found deep resonance within Eastern Indian Christianity, where such principles have been tested through centuries of diverse cultural and religious contexts.
I would like to draw your attention to the main points related to the verses that Paul has pointed out in his letter to the Romans.
The foundation of authentic, unhypocritical love
Specific behavioral instructions like devotion, honor, spiritual fervor, and service 
The importance of hope, perseverance, and prayer 
Practical expressions like sharing with believers and hospitality 
The radical call to bless persecutors instead of cursing them 
The directive to live in harmony across social boundaries 
The climactic teaching about avoiding personal vengeance 
The revolutionary concept of caring for enemies by meeting their needs
In fact, Eastern Indian Christianity developed a unique theological perspective shaped by both apostolic heritage and indigenous wisdom, rooting on such Biblical teachings. Eastern Christian communities understood persecution intimately yet maintained Christ's teaching to respond with love rather than retaliation. That was the reason behind initiation of many of the Mission Fields that our Church have started throughout India. We have faced oppositions from various angles, but our perseverance gained from such Biblical teachings has greatly helped us survive and later expand the development of such fields. Those mission fields has helped many communities in achieving better living conditions and greater life plannings. The migration of Eastern Indian Christians to the United States, particularly from the 1960s onward, has brought this ancient wisdom to American soil. Today, thriving Eastern Christian communities continue following these verses in Romans 12 through churches ecumenical gatherings, cultural organizations, and interfaith dialogue initiatives. These immigrant communities, facing new challenges while preserving ancient traditions, exemplify Paul's teachings by building bridges, serving communities, and transforming adversity into opportunities for grace, truly conquering evil through persistent goodness. Let us try our best to stick to these teachings and build a life that is stronger in all Christian values.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, grant us hearts that love without pretense and hands that serve without reservation. When faced with persecution or hardship, help us respond with blessing rather than bitterness.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"True victory is not in defeating our enemies, but in transforming them through acts of unexpected kindness and genuine love."

 
Dr. Eapen Daniel, Philadelphia

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