Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome
evil with good.
Although we don’t go out looking for enemies, we somehow seem to acquire
them. Sometimes it is envy that causes people to decide they don’t like you
because they are unhappy about their own situation so they rationalize their
negative emotions about yours by deciding you are somehow the enemy. Sometimes
it is ignorance, people tend to fear and distrust that with which they are
unfamiliar. Other times is merely a sad determination to believe anyone
different from themselves is wrong by virtue of that difference. Sometimes it
is a sad, lonely soul that cannot find joy in their own lives so they hate those
whose lives are lived joyfully around them. Sometimes it may be because we are
trying to do the work of the Lord. I’m sure many of you are experiencing your
share of enemy assaults, too, and can relate to what I’m saying.
But how should we react to these assailants who would like nothing more than
to plunder and pillage our reputations, our peace, and our work? Should we
curse them and hunt them down to get our revenge? We need realize the offense
committed does not originate with those who slandered or attack us. They are
merely a pawn in the hands of a cruel and crafty adversary, satan himself.
Clearly, it’s our ultimate enemy, satan, who is out to slander us, to steal
from us, hurt us, lie, kill and destroy us and he’ll use any means possible to
do it.
We must realize who the true enemy is and come against him the best way we
can — determine to press forward for God’s Kingdom even more than before!
When we strive to live godly lives and do the work of the Lord, we will
undoubtedly gain some enemies! But we must ambush our archenemy who is
manipulating these people and situations! How? By praying more! Learning the
word more! Sharing the Gospel more! Forgiving more! Becoming wiser and stronger
in the Lord! Becoming more like Jesus! Press forward toward the Kingdom of God
today — your great reward will be with Him!
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