2nd Kings 6:21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? 22 And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. 23 And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
This passage of scripture teaches us one of the more best ways by which we can overcome evil with good, for we observe first, that Elisha was not bent on having revenge on the Syrian army, for seeking his capture, but rather, like all Christians should, he sought for any ways and means by which he could introduce them to The God of Israel, so that their concepts of who God is, would resonate in their consciences, and hopefully lead them to surrender their lives to Him. Thus in his interaction with those who sought his life, he demonstrated the very principle of love, upon which God's government is founded, and went out of his way to treat them as God treats all of humanity. Let's read:
Romans 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
However, it's important for us to observe that Elisha did not choose to do any and every good thing for those soldiers, for if he had brought them flowers, they might have become deeply offended, because in their situation the did not need flowers. What Elisha did was to minister to their immediate needs, for having traveled several miles into the land of Israel, they were now faint and hungry, so what they needed was food, and food they got, for Elisha advised the King of Israel to provide from his bounties for the invading army, so that they all could be refreshed. And the rest is history, for as the record goes, the Syrians came no more into the land of Israel.
It is a law in the spiritual realm, that love begets love, and if as Christians we were not so bent on revenge when mistreated by others, God could then use us to turn enemies into friends, and sinners into saints. But we must be willing to be led By God, having the mind of Christ which always looks out for the best good of those who may ill-treat us. Whenever we are assailed, tormented or threatened by those who wish us evil, let us therefore respond in the currency of heaven, by looking for ways and means by which we may address their most urgent needs, and if we were to cultivate this godly principle, and mode of thought and action, we will find that many conversions will be made to the church, and much of life's troubles will be alleviated.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to follow in the footsteps of Christ and Elisha, and if we cultivate the habit of looking out for the best good of others, God will respond by using us in mighty ways to bring multitudes to the foot of the cross. Let's read:
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!