Before getting back on an enemy, acting up in anger, or just cutting
them off, let us remember that Jesus desires to save everyone,
including our haters. Let us not disqualify them from coming to God,
nor reduce them into worthless individuals who will never have the
chance to change or come to their senses.
And so instead of obsessively looking back at our pains and retelling
the story of betrayal, let us tell God how we feel, and trust that He
will continue to protect, defend, and even avenge us.
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable
in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live
peaceably with all.” Romans 12:17-18
Israel’s King David may be one of the greatest military leaders of His
time, but this warrior king first fights his battles on his knees. In
his numerous Psalms he unashamedly implores God to avenge him from
enemies.
“They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship. Appoint
someone evil to oppose my enemy; let an accuser stand at his right
hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers
condemn him. May his days be few; may another take his place of
leadership. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May
his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their
ruined homes. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder
the fruits of his labor.” Psalm 109:5-11
David trusts the Lord so much that even though he had the chance to
kill his arch enemy, He refused to go against God’s commands.
“May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord pay you back
because of the wrong things you have done to me. But I won’t do
anything to hurt you.” 1 Samuel 24:12
David held in his heart the same words that St. Paul the Apostle
echoed in his letter to the Romans. There, he discouraged the early
believers from getting back on those who have hurt them.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,
for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty,
give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning
coals on his head.” Romans 12:19-20
And as we wait on God to do what He says He will do, we follow His
teaching to just continue being kind, merciful, and keep our strength
under control. By doing this, we do not only get to obey Him, we also
get the pardon we desperately need for the sins we have committed.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Romans 12:14-21 and Psalms 109:5-15 to dig deeper on today’s
topic.
Reflection Question: How do you calm yourself in the face of haters?
Do you have enough trust that God will vindicate you?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for assuring me
that you will deal with people who have hurt me. Thank you for
protecting and defending me, as always. May you grant me the
confidence to continue trusting in your promises, Amen.