Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.Matthew 10:16 (ESV)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Romans 12:21 (ESV)
The Bible seems to be contradictory when it tells us to be as “wise as a serpent and be as gentle as a dove”; they are two very different creatures. I am reminded of a Chinese Proverbs “to harm someone, we must never have the intention (Dove) to prevent someone from harming you, you must always be alert (Serpent)”. This seems to me to be the closest explanation of the Serpent and Dove analogy. We must not repay evil for evil for vengeance is the Lord’s. We must not harbour evil against someone for the character of the Dove is “innocence and purity”. Let us die to ourselves each day, forgive and seek his Holiness every day.
Lord, teach me to be more “Dove-like” each day. Let me forgo hatred and accept love, let me cast all my cares and burden on You so that You can lift me up towards a higher high. I surrender my will to You. May Your will be done in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
KK Chua
