The Sunday Mail
HUMAN beings by nature are relational. This week we want to talk about how to deal with our enemies.
Pastor Tinashe Zinyemba
I know there are some people that you wish never existed. When you see them it just spoils your day, your blood boils and you lose all senses.
Most likely these emotions are justified because in your normal state of mind you would not just hate or dislike someone out of the blue, right?
Maybe they took your boyfriend/girlfriend, or maybe they stole your money or cheated you. Maybe they lied and spread malicious rumours about you. For some it could be that someone caused you physical injury, which could be permanent.
There are many reasons why you could have an arch enemy that you just wish off the face of the planet.
There are many scriptures mentioning the enemies of some famous Bible characters. For example, in 1 Timothy 4v:14 Paul says, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil . . . ”
It is inevitable that disagreements will be there.
However, one must always guard against retaliation in a similar way to how you were offended. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, the Apostle Paul says, “ . . . be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil . . . ”
The moment you retaliate in a similar manner you are actually worse than the person who offended you.
I know it is tough but the joy you get from hurting your enemy is very temporary yet the mark on your life when you deliberately hurt or injure someone could be eternal.
In Hebrews 10:30 God says vengeance is His responsibility. That is because he has the whole picture and knows how to adequately punish where necessary, as well as to compensate.
My friend, if you have an enemy who is making your life difficult, try by all means not to fight back at their level.
Saul chased David for many years and yet David was innocent. David had many opportunities to kill Saul but he honoured God.
Guess what? God honoured David such that he became a king and he is the most famous king of Israel.
Instead of wasting your time and emotions focusing on your enemies, move on.
Many health conditions and mental situations people face related to emotions of anger, bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness. Ask God to help you move on and He will help you.
Moses, as a young man, got so angry and he thought he was helping someone when he killed an Egyptian; and that made his situation much worse.
When you fight against your enemy at their level it’s actually one trick the devil uses to get your eyes off from God’s plan for your life.
I am not saying that you must be a doormat and allow people to bully and ill-treat you. All I am saying is do not let your emotions rule over you.
In some instances you are actually the enemy so in such cases do the best you can to gain back the trust and respect of your “foe”.
There is a Godly way to disagree and handle arguments such that you maintain your dignity. That is the course that I would like to encourage you to take.
Psalm34v:14 says “seek peace and pursue it”.
Trust God to fight for you and vindicate you. That is all for now. Till next week, God bless.
The writer is a pastor with New Life Covenant Church. Email feedback at [email protected]
