Article December 26, 1925 Issue

Overcoming Evil

REGINA B. M. NASH

IF we have been wronged or unjustly treated, it is apt to appear difficult to our outraged sense of right to obey the admonition of Paul, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Yet, if this be not done, we shall continue to suffer heartaches. Through Christian Science we gain the knowledge that God is All,—omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient good,—and that error is untrue. And it is only by understanding the unreality of evil and its powerlessness that we are able to heed Paul's injunction. What to us seems evil is in reality false belief. Surely, when fully awakened to the truth, we shall readily "overcome evil with good."

We are likely to be kind and loving to one suffering from sorrow or sickness, but we should deal just as compassionately with another who may have misjudged, condemned, or injured us. Both alike are in bondage to beliefs of evil; and the latter may be anxious to be freed from sin, hate, spite, jealousy, or envy, just as much as the former desires health and happiness.

It is only by right thinking and consequent right acting and talking that we shall overcome or destroy evil. If we think our brother has injured us, we are believing there is a power other than good. Instead of feeling wounded or resentful toward such a one, we should prove our understanding of the supremacy of good by knowing that the seeming angry word or unjust criticism was brought about by wrong thoughts which had taken possession of him; but at the same time we must be careful not to excuse error. However, we may always think true, helpful thoughts. We can never overcome error with error. Dwelling upon that which is wrong, talking and discussing it, seems only to strengthen its supposed power. Inasmuch as this is done, we fail to overcome evil, and we sin.

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