Banana Bread

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:18, 21

No one enjoys the sight of a brown, overripe banana. In addition to appearing wasteful, the texture changes, and the smell and flavor become overwhelming. However, with some more ingredients and a little creativity, that seemingly useless banana can become something that brings joy and nourishment—banana bread.

Sometimes, life hands us difficult situations that feel sticky or messy—relationships strained by conflict, unkind words, or hurtful actions. Just as a baker sees the potential in those bananas to make something good, God calls us to transform life’s struggles and turn them into opportunities for peace and His glory.

People might offend us, disappoint us, or become difficult to deal with, like the banana that's beyond its prime. But Romans 12:18 teaches us that as frustrated as we may get, we are called to live at peace with everyone. We are to take those perishing relationships—those situations where anger, bitterness, or conflict has set in—and seek to redeem them.

This doesn’t mean ignoring wrongdoing, but rather choosing to respond with wisdom, grace, and a heart that seeks reconciliation. Just as a baker adds flour, sugar, and eggs —and a little time—to transform old bananas into warm, comforting bread, we must add patience, love, and empathy to difficult situations

Romans 12:21 reminds us to overcome evil with good. Just as a baker doesn't discard the banana but turns it into something beneficial, we are called not to discard people or situations but to approach them with love and goodness. God doesn’t waste anything. He can take our pain, misunderstandings, and challenges and turn them into blessings for His glory and our growth.

Today, ask yourself: How can I take the “overripe bananas” in my life—hurt, conflict, frustration—and, with God’s help, turn them into something good?

Lord, I have seen time and again how You bring beauty out of brokenness. Starting today, help me to become a peacemaker and use Your ingredients to turn the hard things in my life into something that displays Your glory and brings nourishment to others.

Taylor Newton