The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

DO GOOD TO ENEMIES

Paul quotes these verses in the context of teaching that the key to doing good to one’s enemies is trusting God’s justice (Ro 12:17 – 21). Often the biggest obstacle to releasing a grudge is the fear that it will unjustly discount how bad or hurtful certain actions were. Proverbs and Paul say that the way to let grudges go is by trusting that God will take care of it. Burning coals represent the pricking of the conscience of the wrongdoer, rather than responding in violence. Failing to forgive enemies indicates a lack of trust in the gospel. In effect, holding a grudge says, “The cross of Jesus Christ is enough to forgive the sins I commit against God, but it is not enough to forgive the sins committed against me.”

God’s people can experience freedom from grudges and do good toward their enemies for two reasons. First, there is a possibility that responding with goodness will open an enemy’s heart to the gospel and bring about reconciliation. Second, believers can afford to suffer injustices temporarily knowing that God will someday judge the unrepentant. Trusting in the justice of God enabled Jesus to endure his suffering. The apostle Peter told believers, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps . . . When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1Pe 2:21,23).

Jesus, you know that it hurts to be treated unfairly. Help me to place this hurt in your hands to deal with it accordingly. You are more just than I could ever be. Amen.