Monday, May 19, 2025

WHEN YOUR ENEMY FALLS

The Word of God warns against reveling in the downfall of an adversary ... Do not gloat when your enemy fallswhen they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove. (Proverbs 24:17-18)

Any malicious satisfaction over another's demise (even when it is seen as 'due recompense' for evil) is contrary to God's divine nature. An arrogant, mocking attitude is an outward display of an inward problem ... 'pride'. 

Jesus taught ... Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. (Luke 6:27-28)

Both Christ and Stephen fulfilled that edict. Not only did they forgive their executioners, they petitioned God to do so ... 

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:33-34). 

And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” (Acts 7:59-60)

Peter instructed the followers of Christ ... Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. (1 Peter 3:9,11)

Paul also made it clear to the early church ... Bless those who persecute you. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. (Romans 12:14-20)

The ultimate goal should be to see a nonbeliever become our brother in Christ. Just as God’s goodness led us to repentance, any kindness we show in the Lord's Name will have an impact. Stunned by these 'acts of grace', hardened hearts soften and become open to the Gospel message. 

Expect results ... Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. (1 Peter 3:15)

'When your enemy falls' ... an opportunity to bring light into a dark place.   



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