Introduction : Nelson Mandela in South Africa was persecuted by the white government and imprisoned for 27 years. Since he spent most of his youth in prison, he must have had a painful mind and heart. However, when he got out of prison and was elected president of South Africa, the whole world paid attention to him. Common sense told them that he would take revenge on the white people. However, when he became president, he declared forgiveness and reconciliation, and as the head of his country, he was in a position to make it a place where whites and blacks could live together. He was a great man who overcame resentment successfully. It is not easy to confront an enemy and overcome a grudge.
* Our Lord´s command regarding our attitude toward an enemy
1. Do not take revenge (Ro 12:17-21). 1) God takes revenge (Dt 32:35). 2) Take care of an enemy (Pr 25:21-22). 3) Overcome evil with good - the way to stop evil (Pr 17:13, 24:17) 4) Love an enemy (Mt 5:44-48, Lk 6:27-28)
2. When you are attacked by an enemy (Ps 91:1-3). 1) When God was with Joseph, his dry cistern did not turn into a grave for him (Ge 50:20). 2) When King Nebuchadnezzar had the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual because of his anger and murderous intent, it did not burn Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Da 3:28). 3) When God was with Daniel, hungry lions in the den did not hurt him (Ps 91:4-8, Da 6:22-23).
3. If an enemy comes, blessings will also come (Ps 23:5). 1) God prepares a table - a table of manna in the desert in the sight of King Pharaoh (Ps 78:52-53, 105:39-41). 2) The head was anointed with oil. (1) It brought power - Samson and anointing (Jdg 14:6). (2) It brought joy (Isa 61:3, Ps 30:11). (3) It made a cup overflow - a satisfying life (Ps 91:16, 103:5, 37:28).
Conclusion : (Mt 5:38-41). This scripture was unpleasant to me for a long time because it sounded powerless and defeated. However, I realize that this is the right way to overcome an enemy and live a victorious life.
|