Bible Reading: Judges 13, 14 & 15; Luke 6:26-49
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” – Luke 6:27-28 (KJV)
Loving your enemies does not imply standing by idly while evil doers continue their wicked deeds. When it is necessary for the honour of God, the good or safety of others or the ultimate good of the wicked, severe action should be taken to stop the evil. But this should be done with a genuine concern for their good and eternal salvation. Thus, you should pray for them and return their evil with good to bring them to Christ and the faith of the gospel.
Some months ago, I had one of our company’s subsidiaries Managing Director did things that showed that he was working against the interest of the subsidiary and group. I was so touched because God used me to bring him to the group and I felt betrayed. More importantly, I noted that I was angry with him and I had to begin to pray for his goodness and mercy of God for him. In the process, I felt relieved and the Lord led me on how to deal with the situation which was different from what my flesh wanted. In summary, I realized that as a Christian, we have a great weapon of prayer that can be used to cause a greater harm to our enemy but God wants us to be humble by not using our weapon but rather handing matter to him for vengeance. Romans 12:19(KJV): “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
When God avenges you, he knows the best way to bring that enemy to submission. Imagine if Stephen had prayed that Saul of Tarsus be struck dead by the fire of God because of his role in his death. He would have been justified but not in line with the perfect will of God. At God’s time, he touched Saul of Tarsus, changed him and made him one of the best apostles that won so many souls to Christ. No wonder Stephen said even in his last minutes; Acts 7:60 ( KJV) “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” This is in accordance with the admonition of the Lord Jesus in Luke 6:27-28 (KJV) “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, [28] Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
Brethren, this is a difficult thing because the ego of self is what pushes man to take vengeance but if we are truly dead to the flesh, it becomes less challenging for us because we would place the will of God above any ego of self.
Action Point: Are you truly dead to self? Examine yourself and review situations where you have been wronged and hand over your offender to Christ rather than avenging yourself.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero