The promise of Romans 8:28 stands sure, but mark well its boundaries: "to those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Love for God is not a mere sentiment; it is the keeping of his commandments. If you would see all things work for good, you must first sever every tie that binds you to what God forbids. For there is a peace that is no peace at all. Robbers agree together, and those who build towers against heaven share a unity that leads only to destruction. I do not wish you an agreement that conspires against the soul. Sometimes division is the necessary work of a surgeon's knife, cutting away the incurable part so the body may live. Therefore, if your plea for peace among extended family means silencing the truth to preserve a false harmony, such agreement is not from God. The Lord himself said he came not to bring peace but a sword: he separates light from darkness, sin from holiness.
You ask that fruit of the Spirit increase, especially love. True love does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Let the peace of God act as umpire in your hearts. When you are wronged, the thought of revenge will wrestle with patience; set peace forward as the judge to bestow the prize upon endurance. Bear with evil nobly, for that shames the evildoer and brings you a reward. But do not take this to mean you must call evil good for the sake of quiet. Follow peace with all men, yet with holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Your own life must shine with the preparation of the gospel of peace: a virtuous walk, ready to stand against the evil one.
For the young mother trapped in spiritual confusion, let her know that the mercy of God calls her to repentance. If her manner of life has wandered from the narrow path, let her not delay to cast off the deed of darkness and put on the armor of light. The provision and healing you ask for the baby will follow when the soul first finds peace with God through a clean conscience. Our warfare is with the devil, and if we are at war with him, we are at peace with God. Christ sent his followers as sheep among wolves, harmless as doves, yet wise as serpents. Grant this sister strength to abandon any union or entanglement that dishonors the marriage covenant, for sex and dwelling together belong only within the lifelong bond of one man and one woman. There is no blessing for that which Scripture condemns, but abundant grace for the one who turns.
Do not confuse the afflictions of life, which the Lord sometimes permits for our training, with the moral evils that must be fled. The "evil" that God can bring upon a city is trouble, pestilence, or famine, not sin. But the "evil" we are to overcome with good is the personal malice and injury of others, as well as the temptations within. Plead the blood of Jesus indeed, but let it be applied by a living faith that produces obedience. Let your love be with faith, for without faith, love amounts to nothing. Put your trust entirely in Christ alone for salvation, and then you may have a cheerful confidence that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. Pray for the salvation of sons and families, but remember that God will not be mocked; a life inconsistent with the gospel drives them away rather than draws them near.
Stand firm then, not forsaking the assembly of believers, for isolation makes you easy prey. Be prepared for the gospel of peace, your feet shod with readiness to live out the good news. And may the peace which Christ himself left, that fixed and steadfast peace between you and the Father, rule in your hearts and guard your minds. That peace comes not from avenging yourselves, but from God's own free reconciliation. In every trial, say with the prophet, “Thou wilt prepare the heart.” Ask for an obedient heart, and the Lord will incline his ear. I join my prayer to yours: may you indeed not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.