Never Get Tired of Doing Good Despite the Evil Surrounding You

“They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not…” – Psalm 35:12-15

The Scriptures above was written by King David. He wrote this during the lowest time of his life; a time when he was still yet to be a king and being hunted down by a king whom he once admired – Saul. You can see the good intents of David’s heart but the people he was referring to in the Scriptures did not return to him the kindness or the goodness as they should. Instead, they were even glad when they found out that David was in trouble.

The reality shown in these verses is that these kinds of things really do happen to godly people. Sometimes, no matter how good you do to others, even to your fellow Christians, there will always be evil fighting back the goodness. And only God knows what’s going on in those people’s lives and what is in their hearts.

But David set an example for all the believers here – he had a genuine compassion and relationship with people no matter who they are; he grieved for them when they were ill and treated them as though they were his true friends or family. And even if they repaid him evil for good, though he was in despair, he did not retaliate. And until today, David is remembered as one of the greatest kings because he did not give up doing good to others.

As Christians, we should be like David who did not retaliate no matter the evil that is surrounding him. He continued to rely on God and waited upon the LORD who is able to rescue with justice and mercy. Moreover, the Apostle Paul said that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12).

When people around us, even those among our brothers and sisters seem to be evil or unkind with us, know that the real enemy is the devil, the liar who does the stealing, killing and destroying – relationships, joy, and life. Pray and never stop and get tired doing good “for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal 6:9)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I praise You for Your Words of wisdom and encouragements. Thank You for always strengthening my spirit and guiding me to the right path. Help me LORD when people around me gets evil. Let me be slow to speak and slow to get angry. Bless those people who repay evil for good. Open their eyes to your goodness that they may repent. In Jesus’ might name, amen.