I hope that you have begun to see the benefit and obligation we have as God’s children to take totally different approach to dealing with enemies. It’s unfortunately, much like an episode of Game of Thrones, your enemies can take the shape of a spiteful relative who always trashes you or a co-worker who deliberately throws you under the bus. You determine them by their behavior just like they can determine you are a Child of God by yours.
You Have Opportunity for Reward.
Proverbs 25:21 says,
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”
I Peter 3:9 says,
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
I think that little caveat at the end is clear, “and the Lord will reward you” and “that you may inherit blessing!” It’s not like God is telling us to “just take it” from the enemy without benefit. First, we get to prove whose we are and now we see there is a blessing for us attached. Who doesn’t like a little reward for our behavior? That’s why all the credit cards and different programs offer incentives. Incentives work and an “inherited blessing” from God is quite the incentive.
You Will Become More Like Christ
Oh, to be more like Jesus! That is the cry of those who love him, yet we forget dealing with enemies was a huge part of his life. He is the perfect example. He prayed for those who mocked him and crucified him…as they were doing it! That what he did. He is our example.
God Will Deal with Your Enemies
This is often where everyone wants to jump to, because we have such vengeful hearts, lol! We want to know that the bad guys get it in the end. “You did me wrong and God’s going to get you,” is often our cry. But honestly, if you have been reading and practicing everything in this series, then your heart should be slowly changing on this. Yes, the scripture is clear that “vengeance is mine and I will repay, saith the Lord” but your attitude towards it should be different. Your job is to forgive, bless, do good and love. God’s job is to deal with it. Don’t ruin all your hard work by dreaming of ways He can “smite” the bad guys for you…you will have missed the point. Do your job; God will do His.
The facts are, God will deal with it. Look at what these verses say,
Exodus 23:22 says,
“… I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.”
Proverbs 20:22 says,
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
Trust God, even with your enemies, He will work it all out on your behalf, but never miss the opportunity to be more like Him.