When Faced with an Enemy
Have you ever been deeply hurt by someone? Felt your trust violated? Been betrayed? Then the following questions have probably crossed your mind:
Can’t I just get even? Sometimes our initial response is to fight back. Or to plot how to get revenge. Sometimes we do this with our stares, our words, or our actions. But God says vengeance belongs to Him and warns us not so seek vengeance on our own.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. Romans 12:17
Why do evil people sometimes get away with it? Sometimes bad people seem to benefit from from their evil, or if they get caught, the consequences seem nowhere close to adequate for the crime or offense they committed. Our temptation is to get mad or frustrated, but God wants us to trust in His perfect justice and timing.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18
Peace-makers. God calls us to intentionally seek peace. When we are sinned against, we have a responsibility to confront someone with the hope of restoration (Matthew 18:15-20). That is not an easy or pleasant experience, but where there is true repentance, peace can be found.
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.’ Romans 12:19
Turn the Other Cheek. Easier said than done, right? With a countercultural message, Jesus warns us not to seek an “eye for an eye” or a “tooth for a tooth”, but to resist the urge to escalate a situation. We do have the biblical right to defend ourselves, seek governmental justice, and the right to flee evil, but God is also telling us to seek out opportunities “love your enemies” and to pray for them (Matthew 5:38-48).
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.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:20-21
Forgive and forget? Humanly speaking we can’t perfectly forget what has happened to us. But we can take the hurt and use it for the good of others. Even in relationships where genuine repentance is demonstrated, healing and restoration of trust takes time. God has purpose for us, in our hurt, and in our suffering. He wants us to seek and trust Him more. God is always in control, even when life seems out of control.
