Grace trains our eyes to see the good.

Paul does not abandon his focus
on life within the Body of Christ,
but he now calls us to understand
our new life in Christ
in relationship to society.

The world we live in
is defined by corruption,
death,
and destruction.

We see evil people
doing cruel things,
and it is natural
to feel deeply troubled.

But as believers in the gospel of grace,
we are called to live above
the despair of this world.

We are new creations,
saved by grace through faith,
and we must not let our troubled hearts
lead us to answer evil
on its own terms.

Even in a fallen world,
God’s common grace remains.
The sun still shines.
The rain still nourishes.
Beauty still breaks through
in unforeseen places.

These reminders of His goodness
teach us to look for what is good
in the sight of all men.
All of these things are true.
But as people who have been saved
and given a new nature
freed from the bondage of sin,
we are called to something more.

Paul instructs us:
“Have regard for good things
in the sight of all men.”
Let us show everyone
an appreciation for beauty,
a recognition of achievement,
and a grateful acknowledgment
of the “good things”
God allows in this world.

Dear brothers and sisters,
as Christ’s ambassadors
of the gospel of grace,
let us be examples
of what is good.

By faith in the gospel
that has saved us
and given us new life,
let us learn to appreciate
the good things God provides,
and let us trust Him
to judge evil
in His perfect time.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ro 12:17.

Meditation:
Grace frees us from the cycle of retaliation.
We do not answer evil with evil because we belong to Christ,
and His life in us teaches us to see and honor what is good.

Reflection Question:
Where is the Lord inviting you today to resist reacting in kind,
to acknowledge His goodness, and to reflect His grace before a watching world?