We live in an ugly world. So ugly in fact, we are daily in a battle against spiritual forces of evil in high places. Also, man has a free-will to choose good or evil, as in the garden of Eden; its pretty evil to disobey God's commands, and we are all guilty. We have all said things that weren't right, messed up, hurt others, and not walked a correct path.
Praise the Lord for God's grace and the Holy Spirit in our lives who calls us to repentance. Repentance means to turn. It is not just I'm sorry and continuing in sin.
Could you imagine a thief repenting and continuing to steal, but thinking the sorry was enough? Would a judge sentence that person. Of course.
Could someone who was committing adultery say they were sorry, but still keep living that way and find God's blessing? Absolutely not.
Could someone who said hurtful things or spewed wrong words (as I have repented from plenty in my life) continue? No you would tell the Lord you were sorry, pray for self-control, and move forward in walking in repentance.
So, when we know we are acting in a wrong way, its sin. And we have to repent and turn to God, walking on the right path, instead of staying on the wrong one.
When outside evil confronts us, what do we do? Thats a hard one. I believe the Bible talks about being peaceful and defending yourself. This article is a great devotional on the subject.
https://www.crossway.org/articles/a-biblical-argument-for-self-defense/
In my life, the most important thing to do is to rely on Jesus, and walk in non-violence. Now, if someone was hurting my child, would I defend my child? Of course. I'd really have to pray in that situation and involve law enforcement immediately.
It is very important however we try our best to think on good things that are noble and pure, and follow the Messiah who is the Prince of Peace, even when our flesh fights against the spirit inside of us.
It is also not wrong to recognize evil and good. In fact, this is something we are able to do since the fall.
I think everyone knows good loves, is peaceful, is kind, helps others, encourages others, prays for others, etc.
I think everyone also knows what evil does. Evil breaks up families, evil breaks up marriages, evil harms, evil walks contrary to God's word, evil is full of pride, and we have to continually as God's children tame our tongues and pray to walk the path of peace.
Satan was right next to Christ whispering the most vile and evil temptations in His ear. What did Jesus do? He prayed. He did not sin, not once. He overcame temptation and walked above reproach.
So can we. The Lord has given us the power to do such a thing.
Remember, the Lord is our defender and the Lord protects us in this harsh world.
Some days it can be overwhelming to know and see the evil that has and continues to prosper. Remember to pray for your enemies, do good to those who falsely accuse you and persecute you. Then you will be called children of the Most High.
Luke 6:27-36
27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic[a] either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
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