Overcoming Evil With Good

Monday’s Southport knife attack resulted in the tragic death of three girls. Eight other children and two adults were badly injured. The community came together to share its grief.

On Tuesday night there were riots In Southport. Following misinformation on social media shops were looted, vehicles set on fire, the mosque was targeted. The police were attacked with rocks and bricks; over fifty police officers were injured.

On Wednesday morning the Southport community came together again, this time to clear up the debris. Bringing diggers and trucks, brooms and bins, all emphasised that Southport people are about supporting, mending and healing, not hating, intimidating and destroying.

I was reminded of St Paul’s words: ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’

Monday’s Southport knife attack resulted in the tragic death of three girls. Eight other children and two adults were badly injured. The community came together to share its grief.

On Tuesday night there were riots In Southport. Following misinformation on social media shops were looted, vehicles set on fire, the mosque was targeted. The police were attacked with rocks and bricks; over fifty police officers were injured.

On Wednesday morning the Southport community came together again, this time to clear up the debris. Bringing diggers and trucks, brooms and bins, all emphasised that Southport people are about supporting, mending and healing, not hating, intimidating and destroying.

I was reminded of St Paul’s words: ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’

Monday’s Southport knife attack resulted in the tragic death of three girls. Eight other children and two adults were badly injured. The community came together to share its grief.

On Tuesday night there were riots In Southport. Following misinformation on social media shops were looted, vehicles set on fire, the mosque was targeted. The police were attacked with rocks and bricks; over fifty police officers were injured.

On Wednesday morning the Southport community came together again, this time to clear up the debris. Bringing diggers and trucks, brooms and bins, all emphasised that Southport people are about supporting, mending and healing, not hating, intimidating and destroying.

I was reminded of St Paul’s words: ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’

‘Tools With A Mission’ (TWAM) is a Christian charity that collects donated tools, refurbishes them, and sends them to the developing world. This month’s TWAM newsletter tells the story of Clement, a Zambian entrepreneur.

Seeing unemployed gangs of young people engaging in destructive antisocial behaviour, Clement obtained five refurbished computers from TWAM. In 2019 he set up a business centre where he has trained dozens of young people:

Clement’s courage is remarkable. He bravely walked the most dangerous paths, approached intoxicated gang members, invited them to train with him, welcomed them into his business, and trusted them to make positive choices – not cause harm.

Through his bravery, compassion, and skills, Clement has successfully helped numerous young people escape extreme poverty, long-term unemployment, substance abuse, and crime.

Clement is overcoming evil with good.

My non-Christian friends frequently challenge me with the appalling shortcomings of the Church and individual Christians… they quote the slave trade, oppression of minorities, wars, sexual abuse, financial corruption, psychological manipulation, corrupt power…

With humility and shame I can only agree. I pray that I can demonstrate love, hope and kindness in the face of deceit, hatred and selfishness; perhaps in some small way I can start the process of overcoming evil with good.