Proverbs 24
I must admit, it feels good to see those who are mean (bullies, dictators, tyrants, cheats, child abusers, rapists, etc.) get what they deserve. The question that challenged me today came through verses 17 and 18. Do I feel good when my enemies stumble or fall? If I am honest, sometimes I do.
King Saul hated David and attempted to kill him on multiple occasions. David was a sworn enemy of Saul, despite David being married to Saul's daughter (son-in-law) and being his 1st born son's best friend. Despite having such an enemy, David did not rejoice when Saul died in battle (2 Samuel 1:11-12). In fact, he tremendously mourned the death of Saul and his son, Jonathan. Maybe this is where Solomon gets the inspiration for this proverb?
This type of attitude is very eye opening. What is even more eye opening are the words of Jesus himself, “Love your enemies and bless those who curse you!”
I think the key to this proverb and the command we have from Jesus is forgiveness. When we understand how much we ALL need forgiveness, we can fully commit to loving others, even our enemies. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 'Strength to Love,' suggests that forgiveness is the decisive factor in how much you can love your enemy. I fully agree.
Loving your enemy does not mean you have to add them to your Christmas list, or make them your best friend. It doesn’t mean you excuse their actions. It means you forgive them, with the knowledge that God is both merciful and just and has forgiven us so much! Through prayer and forgiveness in our hearts, let us go forth to conquer injustice in our time by the courage to not demand retribution, but rather to repay injury with blessing and hate with love.
Blessings,
Pastor Adrian
King Saul hated David and attempted to kill him on multiple occasions. David was a sworn enemy of Saul, despite David being married to Saul's daughter (son-in-law) and being his 1st born son's best friend. Despite having such an enemy, David did not rejoice when Saul died in battle (2 Samuel 1:11-12). In fact, he tremendously mourned the death of Saul and his son, Jonathan. Maybe this is where Solomon gets the inspiration for this proverb?
This type of attitude is very eye opening. What is even more eye opening are the words of Jesus himself, “Love your enemies and bless those who curse you!”
I think the key to this proverb and the command we have from Jesus is forgiveness. When we understand how much we ALL need forgiveness, we can fully commit to loving others, even our enemies. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 'Strength to Love,' suggests that forgiveness is the decisive factor in how much you can love your enemy. I fully agree.
Loving your enemy does not mean you have to add them to your Christmas list, or make them your best friend. It doesn’t mean you excuse their actions. It means you forgive them, with the knowledge that God is both merciful and just and has forgiven us so much! Through prayer and forgiveness in our hearts, let us go forth to conquer injustice in our time by the courage to not demand retribution, but rather to repay injury with blessing and hate with love.
Blessings,
Pastor Adrian
Posted in Proverbs Challenge
2 Comments
One of the principles that has been repeated throughout Proverbs is "Work hard". The case is made many times and in many ways, the most recent being:
"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a thief"
I think God made us to work. The strong desire to do so is deep within us and fulfilling that need is not only pleasing to us, but pleasing to God. Work is a way of serving others and it very much matters. The current trends of reducing the work week, giving universal basic income, unemployment benefits that exceed wages, etc, cannot be pleasing to God. He wants us to be working and productive, and our societal programs should be designed to increase employment and productivity, thereby promoting dignity, self respect, and integrity.....as per God's plan for us.
It's no wonder we say, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop"
Beautifully written, Pastor Adrian.