COMMENTS
We are never to take up or to use evil words or methods or manners. To do so is temporarily to join the enemy, or to admit that his implements and methods are better than those of the Captain to whom we belong. To answer anger with anger, evil report with evil report, bitter words with bitter words, slander with slander, persecution with persecution, blow with blow, or any of these, would be to endeavor to overcome evil with evil. This, which is natural to our fallen natures, is what we are commanded to avoid, that we may the more thoroughly cultivate the new nature. To be misled by the Adversary to use his methods in any of these ways is to be overcome by evil.
Evils of all sorts are permitted to assail the Lord's people. The devil, the world and the flesh are constantly seeking to overcome the new heart, mind and will. Only by persistent battles will we be enabled to overcome our enemies. God's Oathbound Covenant is our encouragement in this warfare, and His Spirit, Word and Providence are our weapons of defense and offense. Therewith let us fight the good fight of faith, so that instead of being overcome by evil, we will overcome it.
Ex. 23:4, 5; Deut. 32:35; Prov. 19:11; 24:17, 29; 25:21, 22; Matt. 5:7, 30-45; Luke 6:35-37; Rom. 12:14, 17, 19, 20; Heb. 10:30; Acts 7:60; 1 Cor. 4:12; 1 Pet. 3:9.
