Overcoming Evil

The church has always been a mess — because we've always been a mess. Jake looks at the fractured, ethnically divided congregation Paul wrote to in Rome — a church he hadn't founded and had never even visited — and finds the same thing he's found in his own life: God doesn't wait for us to get it right. God works with the material God is given — flawed, quarreling, imperfect people — and somehow, love gets through.Before moving to the Spiritual practice, here's a reminder about scheduling me for your event. My colleague Holly Davis is now working on my 2027 schedule. If you would like to invite me to lead a retreat, offer a talk, participate in a webinar, or preach at your event, just give her a shout.A Spiritual PracticeAt the start of the day, read the passage below three times (aloud or silently).On the first reading, notice which word or phrase stood out for you.Read the passage again slowly, then spend a few minutes meditating by repeating the word or phrase to yourself.Read the passage one more time and talk directly to God. Share your hopes, desires, thoughts, and fears.“If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:20-21)Now, sit quietly with God. Let go of thinking. Just rest in God’s presence.At the close of day (or at some point that seems right to you), take ten minutes to examine your day.First, take a few minutes to let your mind and your body be quiet, to rest.Review your day:* Where did you receive a kindness today? Where did you offer one? Give God thanks.* Where did you feel joy, peace, or energy? Where did you feel anger, frustration, or regret? Where was God in that?* Choose one moment from today and talk to God honestly about it. Express sorrow for mistakes, unkindnesses, or kindnesses left undone. Ask God for mercy.Look toward tomorrow. Ask for grace and perseverance.Close with the Lord’s Prayer or with something like this:Gracious God, you continue to shape me through the love that others give me and the love that I give to others. Help me to receive love with an open heart in whatever form it takes, especially when I feel unworthy to receive it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jakeowensby.substack.com/subscribe