Walking With Jesus (Self Control)Sample

Overcoming the enemy

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Romans 12:19-21

Many times, competition in the world of work and business causes conflict. Consciously or not, people have "enemies".  The existence of the enemy becomes a threat to one's existence that must be defeated. People can do anything to defeat the enemy, both overt and subtle ways. Perhaps, the "enemy" is someone who we consider endangering a certain position, demeaning our existence, hurting our hearts or other reasons. Human nature says the way to fight them is to retaliate.

Indeed, at a first glance, the effort to overcome the enemy is natural and human. We think that because they have hurt us, they deserve to be treated the same. However, what seems natural and human is not always true. Why?

It turned out that many violent efforts that are carried out, both openly and subtly, do not resolve the conflict at all. On the contrary, these efforts increase the number of enemies and the intensity of hatred. The wounds do not heal and become more open.

Fire cannot be defeated by fire, nor can violence be defeated by violence. The Bible provides a different solution than what humans usually do. The Bible teaches us to overcome toughness with gentleness. It may seem strange, but that is God's way. That's what God wants us to do when we face the enemy. The victory we seek is not victory over those who have hurt us, but over ourselves. There can never be a victory by force.  The thing which would happen is a deepening hatred and enmity. We will live in true victory if we can overcome all anger, hatred, and revenge. We will be victorious when we are willing to forgive, and therefore, keep fighting against our human nature.

Reflection:

1. How do you deal with conflict? Can conflict lead to hostility?

2. How difficult is it to forgive people we consider our enemies or those who are against us?

Application: 

Our biggest enemy is not other people, but ourselves. Defeating self will be our greatest victory!