[17] “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, [18] or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.” – Proverbs 24:17-18 (NIV)
When I was a little boy, I remember my mother telling me that when someone hits me in school, I should hit him in return. So because of that, I carried a revengeful spirit until I met Jesus, who taught me to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me (see Matthew 5:44). As an add up, Romans 14:12 (NIV) says,
[14] “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
While studying the scriptures before writing this devotional, I wondered why Paul emphasised the word “bless.” He knew that those who persecute us Christians are doing what is evil, and since that is an offence against the very lives of God’s children, cursing them will work. The effect of such curses usually materialises over a long time. But in Christ, love is the strongest of all. Like Jesus, He could have ordered angels to destroy those who spoke evil about Him. But He chose the way of love and died for their sins.
You might have strong reasons to speak harsh words against those who attack the anointing upon your life to do God’s work in peace. And truth be told, if you curse such attackers, it will hurt their lives forever in this physical realm. But assume the place of love and forgive them. Think well of your enemies. Don’t wish them to fall, although they deserve it. Vengeance is God’s work, so don’t do it for Him.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me to think well of my enemies, although it’s hard to do. I pray for a forgiving spirit that shows mercy to evildoers in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 143
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