Why Are We Told, ‘Do Not Be Overcome by Evil’?

People in history, like Corrie ten Boom and Richard Wurmbrand, experienced terrible suffering at the hands of oppressors, as have countless believers in the modern day. Despite the evil they faced, they chose to bless and love, not hate.

Christians in the past and present responded this way not because they were perfect “spiritual giants,” but because they sought to follow God’s Word. In Romans 12:21, believers are told: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

All believers, not just those who we perceive as “spiritual giants,” can overcome evil with good. Applying this verse is challenging, but possible.  

Before examining a few reasons why, we are told not to be overcome by evil, we need to first look at the context.

Verse Summary and Context

The verse that instructs us not to be overcome by evil is found at the end of chapter 12 in Paul’s letter to the Romans. The earlier part of this chapter warns us against pride.

We are not to think we are better than others or assume that one area of service is better than another, for we are all members of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3-5).

Instead of acting pridefully, we should love others and seek to go out of our way to honor our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 12:9-10).

The Berean Standard Bible uses an interesting choice of word, alluding to the Romans’ desire to outdo one another, by rendering the verse as, “Outdo yourselves in honoring one another” (Romans 12:10).

As part of a loving attitude, believers are not to seek revenge or return evil for evil (Romans 12:17-19). When someone does something evil towards us, we should not treat them in the same manner.

Giving into the temptation to get revenge will result in us being overtaken by evil, for evil cannot be fought with evil (Romans 12:21). Instead, we can overtake or overcome evil with good.

Hence, Paul quoted from Proverbs 25:21-22, reminding us that when we treat our “enemies” nicely and help them, they could feel remorse for their evil actions (Romans 12:20).

Good actions given in response to evil will testify against those who do wrong and increase their shame. As a result, the guilt they feel from mistreating the believer could lead them to repentance and faith in Christ. A loving Christian witness can change hearts.

Since verse numbers and chapters were not in the original manuscripts of Scripture, we also need to consider what comes after the chapter to get a stronger understanding of the verse.

In Romans 13:8-14, Paul talks about how love fulfills the law. Loving others is what we are meant to do, which clearly excludes hatred and revenge (Romans 13:10).

Seeking to overcome evil with evil has no place in the Christian life since we no longer live in darkness, but in light (Romans 13:12).

Now that we have examined the chapter and verse context let’s look more closely at why we are told not to be overcome by evil.

We Naturally Want to Fight Evil with Evil

Trying to overcome evil with evil is a losing situation from all viewpoints — not only are we submitting ourselves to sin, but we are tarnishing our witness for Christ. Romans 12:21 reminds us that there is a better way to deal with evil.

Although overcoming evil with good is countercultural and seems counterintuitive, it is a loving and Christlike way of living.

When we give in to the temptation to treat others the way they treat us, we sin and give up our Christian witness. Seeking to hurt others when they hurt us is a natural inclination of sinful humankind.

However, as children of God who have been given a new life, we do not have to live according to the sinful flesh (Romans 8:12-14). 

We are Holy Spirit-indwelled individuals and should overcome evil with good by the power of God. Doing so presents a compelling testimony of God’s love for the person who mistreated us.

Repaying evil with evil also makes us no different than the person who treated us wrongly. As Jesus said, if we only love those who love us, then we are acting the same as the rest of the world (Luke 6:32).

As set-apart individuals, we should act differently than those who do not know Christ. Paul referred to this when he wrote, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2).

In Our Sinfulness, We Desire Revenge

Treating others, the way we are treated is natural to human nature, but so is the desire for revenge. In our sinfulness, we want others to suffer severe punishment for the wrong they did to us.

We do not wait for God’s judgment but take matters into our own hands, act as judge in place of God, and end up trying to overcome evil with evil.

In a twisted way, we recognize the need for justice, but forget that God is the One who will avenge. Despite what we assume, revenge will not satisfy the justice we seek because our desire for revenge comes from hate and bitterness.

Avenging a wrong will only bring us harm. Thus, Scripture says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19; Deuteronomy 32:35).

Believers do not have to wonder if justice will prevail, because all the earth will see God bring justice (Psalm 96:13).

Even those who have trusted in Christ will have to give an account for everything they have done, though their salvation is not in question (Matthew 12:36; 16:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The grace of God should never be used to dismiss wrongs or hurts. If we hurt or oppress others, even if we are believers, we will be held accountable to the Lord.

We are told not to be overcome by evil because the Lord will avenge wrongs done to us. He will repay in His timing and based on His righteous judgment. Instead of bringing harm to ourselves by seeking revenge, we can wait for God’s vengeance, and overcome evil with good.

We Need the Reminder to Follow Jesus’ Example

Another reason believers should not be overcome by evil is that when we act in kindness and love toward those who do evil against us, we follow Jesus’ example. Our Lord taught His disciples to treat others the way they want to be treated (Luke 6:31).

Based on Christ’s teaching, the apostle instructed the Romans to not repay evil with evil (Romans 12:17). Loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us is the Christlike way of responding to hate and hurt (Matthew 5:44).

Jesus modeled the truth that evil can only be overcome by good. When He was arrested, flogged, and mocked, our Lord did not retaliate or say a word even though He was innocent (Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 2:23). Instead, Christ hung on the cross in agony and prayed for those who placed Him there (Luke 23:34).

His death paid the price for our sins, bringing victory against evil. A terrible event of suffering (the crucifixion) was used for His good purpose. Also, Christ’s loving behavior in the face of evil and hate impacted many people.

The Centurion saw the Lord’s response and believed (Luke 23:47). Furthermore when the crowds who had called for Jesus’ death heard the gospel, many of them repented of their wicked behavior and placed faith in the Savior (John 19:4-7; Acts 2:22-41).

Jesus was not overcome by evil but overcame evil with good. Instead of treating others with hate, as they had treated Him, He lovingly gave His life for all and prayed for His persecutors. As followers of Jesus, we should model His response and treat others with love, even if they deal wrongfully with us.

What Does This Mean?

To fight the temptation to treat others as they treat us, the Bible reminds believers that they should not be overcome by evil. Scripture tells us this because overcoming evil with evil does not bring us victory but exposes us to the consequences of sin and a diminishing of our Christian witness.

Also, seeking revenge ignores the truth that vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us. Finally, when we overcome evil with good, we follow Jesus’ example on the cross. Love and goodness win in the fight against evil.

For further reading:

Can We Really Overcome Evil with Good?

Did Evil Exist Before Adam and Eve Sinned?

Is the Phrase ‘Necessary Evil’ Biblical?

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/FOTOKITA

Sophia Bricker is a freelance writer who enjoys researching and writing articles on biblical and theological topics. In addition to contributing articles about biblical questions as a contract writer, she has also written for Unlocked devotional. She holds a BA in Ministry, a MA in Ministry, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing to develop her writing craft. As someone who is passionate about the Bible and faith in Jesus, her mission is to help others learn about Christ and glorify Him in her writing. When she isn’t busy studying or writing, Sophia enjoys spending time with family, reading, drawing, and gardening. 

This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit Christianity.com.