Have I rejoiced over my enemy’s distress, or become excited when trouble came his way? I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse. Job 31:29-30 HCSB
I am ashamed to admit that there have been times when I have rejoiced when bad times have come to someone I have difficulty liking. There is a professional golfer I do not respect due to his arrogant attitude. When I am watching a golf tournament on television and he makes a poor shot or misses a putt on the green, I inwardly rejoice that he has messed up. That certainly is not a good attitude and does not reflect the attitude that Christ has for him. Christ loves everyone, including those who despise and reject Him.
Job declared that he had not had a bad attitude toward his enemy nor rejoiced when troubles had come his way. He even declared that he had not spoken inappropriately toward his enemy or wished bad things to come upon him. God wants us to love our neighbors, even our enemies, and to do good for them instead of hating them and wishing bad for them.
Challenge: We have all had negative feelings for people we do not like or care for. Ask God to help you to have the right attitude and to love your neighbors as yourself. Pray for your enemies and that God will provide a way for you to represent the love of Christ to them. Listen to the song by Brandon Heath titled “Give Me Your Eyes” on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY.