"Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?"
~ Abraham Lincoln
~ Abraham Lincoln
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath;
for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
~ Romans 12:18-21 (NKJV)
Who is the man who desires life,
And loves many days, that he may see good? ...
Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
~ Psalms 34:12,14 (NKJV)
Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
~ Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)
Ask yourself: how often have you thought life would be easier if any particular person didn't exist? For a person to stop existing (around us) requires death. Wishing a person gone really amounts to wishing them dead. Is this not murder in the heart?
The Lord provides far better ways to destroy enemies.
First, if retribution seems appropriate, consider that the Lord sees the full extent of evil in a person's heart, has all rights of vengeance, and can exact punishment more effectively than we can. Stay out of His way.
Secondly, if we wish to overcome an enemy, the superior force against evil is not evil, but good. If enemy becomes friend by the force of good, is he or she not defeated as an enemy?
Last, we do well to remember that not only does the Bible admonish us that we reap what we sow, but that the good life is found in making peace—if it is possible, as much as depends on us. Not every enemy will make peace. But in the very pursuit of peace we capture the good life.
Father God, we were once Your enemies. You have overcome us with Your love and goodness, poured out upon us with the blood of Your Son. He supplies peace beyond understanding. We thank You for such peace and ask that You enable us to bring it to others.
[Note: I have spoken here concerning individuals. I am neither a pacifist, nor do I condemn pacifists acting according to conscience. I support righteous government's duty to preserve our security, with force when necessary. I also support the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. More about government next week from Romans 13.]
Your questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
"the superior force against evil is not evil, but good."
ReplyDeleteThe goodness of God leads us to repentance Rom.2:4
Good trumps evil.
I love this Good news you preach.
Thank you
I've sacrificed much for peace. The price was heavy but much worth it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post my friend.
ReplyDeleteAnne - I like the way Paul acknowledges the trouble we have with "enemies" by giving God the heavy stick. Not that we should wish harm, but it really is God's business, not ours. And it is almost certainly innevitable that we will run into people that we don't get along with very much.
ReplyDeleteThen Paul says "...as much as depends on us" like he knows how crazy it can get out there.
Not always easy, to hand the keys over to God, but that is the best path to peace.
Doug, it's His Good news and I love to preach it. I hope my life backs up my words.
ReplyDeleteT. Anne, every sacrifice reaps double rewards, here and in heaven!
Denise, I always enjoy seeing your comments.
Brad, I like "hand the keys over." I don't fish but love driving (and most of us do plenty of that). It's a more vivid reminder of our dependence on Him not only to empower us, but to let Him handle what's out of our control.
It is so sad to me when the enemy doesn't want to make peace, but I take comfort that God sees and knows our hearts.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
A pastor I know once said, "effective communication is not the secret to a happy relationship. The secret is the effective communication of forgiveness."
ReplyDeleteHe was really talking about marriages, but it goes for all kinds of relationships.
When we talk about overcoming evil with good, I think forgiveness is the essential component. It is love in action.
We utterly depend on Jesus and the Holy Spirit to guide us and command our spirits to find the strength to forgive - And, then we find peace.
Wendy, never give up. You never know what God may work, even in the heart of an evil person. "When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)
ReplyDeleteRussell, I thoroughly appreciate your description of forgiveness as "love in action." And for the Christian, neither forgiveness nor love are options--as you said, in His strength.
Hi Anne, How wonderful to get your visit here at FaithBarista this morning! Warmed my day.
ReplyDelete"But in the very pursuit of peace we capture the good life."
I like the imagery of this line. Sweet! Somehow in pursuing it, even if peace is not returned, we'll end up with something good. I like the thought of that.
You are a conscientious blogger, Anne. I loved the note you appended at the end!
I really liked this post, mom! Though it may not be the easiest way to get rid of enemies, it's the most rewarding.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, thank you for your gracious comment. I enjoyed your blog also. I'm sure I'll be back.
ReplyDeleteMichaelle, just keep all this in mind when your little brother ... well, you know. :D