When Words Wound: Overcoming Evil with Good

7 days ago

2 min read

By Steve Pierce

Do you remember the old rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” What do you think it was meant to teach us as kids? That words have no power? Well, in all honesty, words do have power and can hurt. For me the message was that words don’t have the power of physical pain and that I should not let what others say me define me or control me. And after 6 decades, I have had some success with this. But not always. Sadly.

When other’s words or actions hurt us, what are we supposed to do? How are we to respond? God tells us.

“Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21, ESV)

Pay attention to a few key sections of this verse.

“Give thought to what is honorable” tells you that the next time you are hurt by someone else you should pause before responding. Give yourself a chance to think before your response. Escalation isn’t a requirement.
“So far as it depends on you” is another key section that we should all pay attention to. Conflict sadly is inevitable. But it is something that we should limit and avoid, if possible. Don’t get pleasure in conflict. Don’t pick a fight. Don’t extend one either if you can help it. You have options.
“Never avenge yourself” is self-explanatory and a good reminder for us all.
“Overcome evil with good.” Now that is something isn’t it? You want me to be nice to those who hurt me. You want me to respond to an attack in love? God does. Jesus did.

There is great truth in that old nursery rhyme. Its biblical and it offers healing. Harsh words spoken leave scars and evil destroy. Words spoken in wisdom and kindness create hope and love heals. Choose love. And choose the one who is love…God.