Breaking Cycles of Evil

Reading: Romans 12:17–21

Devotional:

The human instinct is to repay evil with evil. When we’re wronged, our hearts cry out for fairness, for balance. But Paul offers a better way—a gospel way. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This isn’t weakness; it’s divine strength. Evil multiplies when we mirror it, but it loses power when we answer it with grace.

Jesus didn’t conquer evil by returning violence with violence. He broke its grip through the cross—absorbing the worst of human hatred and transforming it into redemptive love. That’s what we’re invited into: to be people who end the chain reaction of revenge and start a new rhythm of grace.

You might not be able to change someone’s heart—but you can change the story. Every time you respond with kindness, forgiveness, or love, heaven pushes back against hell.

Reflection Question:

Where have you been tempted to respond to hurt with retaliation or bitterness? How might responding with grace reflect the heart of Christ in that situation?

Action Step:

Think of someone who has wronged or frustrated you. Pray for them sincerely today. Then find one tangible way—large or small—to bless or serve them.

Quote (Lesslie Newbigin):

“The church is not meant to call men and women out of the world into a safe religious enclave but to call them out in order to send them back as agents of God’s reconciling work.”