Are You Radically Generous?

Do not be overcome by evil,

but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21

I selected Romans 12:21 for today’s #SundayScripture Instagram post months ago. At the time, I could not have predicted the changes and challenges our football family would faced this very week. The heartache for a wonderful family relieved of the job to which they’ve dedicated so much, the emotional turmoil the team trudges through, and the uncertainty hovering over every member of the program, no matter their role.

To make it worse, the Internet.

People are brutal…hateful and hurtful and ignorant and clueless and entitled and very, very loud. The negative and cruel things I see and hear about my husband — truly one of the most incredible, caring, giving, brilliant, and steadfast football geniuses in the world — are astonishing!

Just as I’m sharing this devotion and my personal thoughts online, which are my opinions and not expertise in any way, the World Wide Web provides a platform for anyone to say whatever they want, wherever they want, about whomever they want.

So, what do I do?

The easy answer is to never open another browser window, to avoid sports radio, and to stop reading the news. But burying my head in the sand doesn’t feel like the best answer.

Luckily, Jesus gives us the perfect answer. His “Sermon on the Plain” explains how we are to react to aggressors, instructing us to respond with mercy and to pray for those who attack us. One analysis I studied on this topic used the phrase radical generosity to describe the kindness and patience we’re encouraged to extend to those who wish us hatred and harm. That really hit home.

I’m a big believer in giving grace, leading with love, and choosing joy. As an approach and a set of intentional choices, the motto describes how I want the world to see me. That philosophy and this new-to-me concept of radical generosity pair seamlessly.

When an online fanatic spouts lies and ignorance, I will give them grace and scroll on. When someone in the stadium screams FIRE MONTY for four straight hours, I will lead with love, meeting their gaze and smiling in friendship. And when an armchair-quarterback ridicules my husband’s play-calling, I will choose joy by applauding their passion.

If someone condemns my husband, our players, or our family of coaches and friends, I will pray for them. And if someone strikes against your loved ones, I hope you’ll answer with prayer as well.

Now let’s be honest: politeness and prayer are not my knee-jerk reactions. I want to fight back! But the more I respond with grace and love and joy and generosity, the more natural doing so becomes. And the more balance and peace I feel.

I believe that is why Jesus teaches to turn the other cheek, why He encourages radical generosity…because holding hatred in our hearts — speaking it, sharing it, writing it, teaching it — is akin to a poison destroying the soul from within. Hatred is more detrimental to the bearer than the receiver, and that’s saying a lot!

And while evil takes many forms in our world, I absolutely see it in the work of hateful people. Which brings us back to today’s scripture: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We do that with grace, love, joy, prayer, and generosity…even when our hearts are heavy, our feelings are hurt, and the immediate future is uncertain. We do that because God is good, and good overcomes evil.

Thank you, God, for loving me through difficult days. Dear Lord, help me respond as You wish when evil strikes. Jesus, guide me through challenges, paving the way to healing and happiness. In your name, amen.

With love and hugs,