In Proverbs chapter 24 and verse 17 we read that we are not to be happy when our enemies get what they deserve. That does not come naturally to us humans, right? However, it is repeated again in verse 29 of this same chapter that we are not to pay someone back for what he has done. It seems that even our attitudes are important to God; we must be careful what we are thinking.

So, what are we to do? The answer is found in Proverbs chapter 20 and verse 22 (KJV): "Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee". If we leave the matter in God's hands, he will vindicate us and take care of things. The apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Romans that we should not repay evil for evil (Rom 12:17 - 21). Moses made it very clear in the book of Deuteronomy that vengeance belongs to God and he will repay (Deut 32:35).

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt 5:44).

These are all hard things to do and we can only do them by the power of the Spirit. One of the fruits of the Spirit is love (Gal 5: 22-23); even for our enemies. Let’s end with the greatest example of love for our enemies; the words of our savior Jesus Christ from the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

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