In what ways can we "pursue good" despite opposition, as in Psalm 38:20? Psalm 38:20 in Focus “Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good.” Hostility Is Not a Surprise • From Cain and Abel onward, righteous conduct has provoked backlash (Genesis 4:4-8). • Jesus warned, “You will be hated by everyone because of My name” (Matthew 10:22). • Paul affirmed, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Why Keep Doing Good? • It honors God: “Let your light shine…so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father” (Matthew 5:16). • It imitates Christ: “He went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). • It silences critics: “By doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:15). • It bears eternal reward: “In due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Practical Ways to Pursue Good Despite Opposition • Stay anchored in truth – Daily Scripture intake keeps motives pure (Psalm 119:11). • Guard speech – “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). – Refuse slander even when slandered (1 Peter 3:9). • Actively bless adversaries – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). • Keep serving – David continued leading Israel even while hunted (1 Samuel 24-26). – Look for simple mercies—meals, encouragement, practical help. • Maintain integrity under scrutiny – Daniel’s enemies found no grounds for accusation except his faithfulness (Daniel 6:4-5). • Entrust justice to God – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:17, 19). • Lean on fellowship – “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). • Wear the armor of God – Truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, the Word, prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18). Strength for the Journey • The Spirit empowers: “It is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). • Christ sympathizes: He “endured such hostility from sinners” (Hebrews 12:3). • The Father sees: “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). Living Examples • Joseph’s kindness to the brothers who sold him (Genesis 50:20). • Stephen’s prayer for his killers (Acts 7:60). • Paul’s perseverance through beatings, prison, and slander while planting churches (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Encouragement to Persevere • The promise: “Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” (1 Peter 3:13). • The call: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing” (Galatians 6:9). • The outcome: “You will reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18). Keep pursuing good. The opposition is temporary, but the fruit of faithfulness lasts forever. |
    |