5. Do good for Evil – My dearly beloved, one of the things that we have to do to preserve our whole body, soul and spirit blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is not to render evil for evil to anyone but do good for evil.

The example of leading a life by doing good for evil and not evil for evil has been shown to us by our Lord Jesus Christ who is living as the same yesterday, today and forever more. Even when they tortured our Lord Jesus Christ and crucified him on the cross – from the cross he said – Luke 23:34

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. (We can see that he interceded for those who did evil. This is the example that he has shown us.)

Also, in Acts 7: 59, 60 - And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Then he knelt and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

We must always speak the truth when we talk. Matthew 5: 37 – 45 says - But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’

But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.

And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Romans 12:1,2 says - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

In Romans 12: 5 - so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Therefore, in Romans 12: 9 - Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Romans 12: 14 - Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. In Romans 12: 17 – 21 says - Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

Psalms 34: 11 – 14 says - Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.

Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

In Psalms 34:15 - The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

Psalms 34: 16 says - The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

In Psalms 34: 21, 22 says - Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

If we want to become righteous, we must obey these teachings of God.

I Peter 3: 8 – 15 says - Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.

Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

My dearly beloved, if we will preserve ourselves in this manner, we will be able to keep our whole body, soul and spirit blameless and holy. May the grace of God enable us to do so.

Let us pray and may the Lord bless you all.

To be continued