Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21 ESV
[Tweet “God’s love is the most powerful change agent in the world. #overcomingevil”]
Jeff, Bethany and I reminisced on the drive to the Maple Leaf Festival. Twelves years of marching in the parade with her Dazzler Dance team, would be coming to an end today. Sweet memories wrapped in fall colors filled our thoughts.
With still an hour before the parade started, we stood in line for the bathroom. I looked behind us and saw one of Bethany’s friends, Faith, crying inconsolably. Now any girl crying would tug at my heartstrings but Faith, doubly so. Faith, also has down syndrome and is about 3 years younger than Bethany. Mother radar was on full alert as I tried to assess if she were hurt or something else had happened.
I noticed two other dancer “friends” stood silently by. They guiltily avoided eye contact with Faith and us.
I held out my arms to Faith and said, “Come here Faith. What’s the matter sweetheart?” As she ran into my arms I looked to the other girls and asked, “Do you know what happened?”
They shrugged their shoulders but kept their eyes on Faith.
Faith poured her heart out to Bethany and I. It was difficult to understand everything she was saying through tears and sniffles, but I got the gist of it alright.
Words like “she was mean to me” “she hurt me” “she not nice to me” “she should apologize” “Why they not like me?”
I hesitated to say anything or make a judgement call or a lecture. Oh, how I wanted to though! But, I hadn’t seen or heard anything.
I decided to concentrate on Faith.
“Awww, Faith. I’m so sorry your feelings got hurt. I hate that anyone would be mean to you!!! That’s not nice at all. You are so special. Surely everybody knows how wonderful you are and wants to be your friend!!!”
She stopped sniffling and smiled and said, “Yeah. ”
“We love you so much. What can we do to help?”
Faith stared at the two girls from my arms.
They said nothing and stared at the ground.
[Tweet “Bless those who persecute you. #kingdomOfGod #overcomingLove “]
Faith left my arms and walked directly over to one of the girls. She stared at her and then stepped forward to give her a big hug. The would be perpetrator stood there uncomfortable; flushed, embarrassed, unsure of how to react, probably afraid her actions were going to have consequences.
Then Faith said, “I’m sorry. I love you.”
I was mesmerized as I literally saw transformation. The “would be bully” began to relax and accept the hug and love freely given.
[Tweet “Love is patient and kind. Love keeps no account of being wronged. Love never fails.”]
Unconditional, undeserved love. That is perfect love. And perfect love is who God is.
Not returning evil for evil, not a lecture, not a well deserved kick in the pants- but a word softly spoken, a hug sincerely given. That’s what overcame unkindness that day.
The Bible says, Faith works by love. It says God is love.
That day, Faith held the answer to overcoming prejudice, meanness, and unkindness.
Faith overcame with perfect love.
God’s Surprising Treasures:
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.”
I Peter 3:9 NLT
A beautiful episode in a young woman’s life. A lesson for me too.