"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." --- Romans 12:21.
"And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" --- 1 Peter 3:13.
The Christian life is a warfare, and the conflict between sin and holiness, and between sorrow and comfort, is often very violent. The child of God has many evils to encounter with. Sin, Satan, self, and the world, are daily enemies. He is also exposed often to poverty, affliction, reproaches, and persecution. O my Saviour, help me to overcome every evil in the strength of the grace; give me a heart to do good to all who may seek to hurt me; "Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?"
Not the Father for he loves you, not Jesus, for he died for you; not the Spirit, his work is to comfort you; not good men, they love those who follow that which is good; not wicked men, nor devils, for though enemies, they are confined, and cannot stir a step beyond what thy God and Saviour permits. When you meet with a trial, look not to men, but to Jesus. Pray for patience to bear it, and look up for a blessing upon it. Then all things shall work together for good. Romans 8:28. Let every temptation make you more careful, and put you on closer watching against the enemy. Cleave to Jesus by faith and prayer, like a child to its parent, when it sees an enemy coming towards it. Behold him, flee to him, rest upon him, and then you will rejoice in him.
How glorious, Lord thy wisdom shines,
And baffles Satan's deep designs,
Thy power is sov'reign to fulfil
The noblest counsels of thy will.