It’s hard to go through life without having occasion to be wronged by someone at some point. If we’re human – and if we’re honest with ourselves, it can be difficult to ignore those feelings that push us to pray that the person(s) who wronged us will eventually “get what’s coming to them.” Oh wait – maybe it’s just me that finds it hard to keep from praying those, “Go and get ‘em, God” kind of prayers.
If we’ve been walking with God for any length of time we know that praying for our enemies to “get what’s coming to them” is contrary to what Scripture says. We are taught to — love your neighbor as you love yourself. (Luke 10:27) However, even when we know the Word there may still be times that our flesh cries out for vengeance.
Years ago a close friend of mine was hurt terribly by a young man. Recently we learned that this man had been arrested for a totally unrelated crime and is waiting to be sentenced. My “wronged friend” (who is still quite young) reacted with relief (and joy) that this man will now be held accountable. It doesn’t matter that the wrong he committed all those years ago against my friend will go unpunished. In my friend’s mind – he’s still getting what’s coming to him.
My reaction was surprisingly different. Even though I watched my friend suffer years ago for the wrong committed against them and I lived through the pain of the situation, I was astounded to feel sadness over this young man’s fate. Yes, I believe people should be held accountable for their sins and wrongdoings; but I felt pity for him. My emotions ran the gamut from grief for what his family must be going through; to worry for his safety should he go to prison.
My feelings of compassion for this young man initially surprised me. I thought I’d demand justice like my friend. I’ve been a believer long enough though to know that God is more than capable of changing even the hardest hearts. When the Word tells us that we must forgive so our Father in Heaven will forgive us – I know that to be true.
Loving our neighbor as we love ourselves is easy when our neighbor is someone lovable. When faced with an opportunity to hold a grudge against someone not so lovable, it may not be as easy. When it comes right down to it – we are all sinners and all deserve to get what’s coming to us. Luckily for us we serve a merciful God who loves us, even though we still sin on a regular basis. Rather than giving us what we deserve for our sinful lives – God chooses to bless us with grace, mercy, forgiveness and the love of Christ — and I for one – am grateful.
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
Blessings in Christ,
Kathy K.
Great words, Kathy. Lately I have had much to forgive as well as to be forgiven for. What helps is to identify the sin, which is what God hates, and to forgive the sinner whom God loves. That has been working for me.
Love this, love you too kk
Yes, Love your enemies took on a whole new meaning for me when I became involved in a ministry that saves young girls from sex trafficking. The flesh has a hard time praying for their perpetrators to have a change of heart – that’s why I am grateful for the help of the Spirit!