Are you happy when bad things happen to your enemies?
Are there people in your life you would consider your enemies, blatantly or cunningly? If so, how do you treat them? Do you resort to revenge or a negative response to ills your enemies may inflict upon you, or do you strive with all your strength to do good? The first suggestion may seem easier, but in reality, it is likely to cause more pain.
It is easier to win an enemy by showing love than by executing hate. Just as an apple tree produces apples, the fruit of love is love. On the other hand, hate will probably yield more of the same. As you practice godly principles, you will find that you experience peace instead of the burden of hate. Rest assured that if your ways please God, He will make your enemies be at peace with you (Proverbs 16:7).
Are you happy when bad things happen to your enemies? Hopefully not. Think on the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When He was attacked, He did not retaliate. When He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to God, His Father Who judges justly (I Peter 2:23). Even as He was dying on the cross at the hands of His enemies He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (St. Luke 23:34). What love!
Personally, I can attest that it is more profitable to respond to enemies in the manner which God orders than to follow the dictates of my own desires. I strongly urge you to strive to be a peacemaker (St. Matthew 5:9). You will be pleasantly surprised and delighted as you reap the wonderful benefit of peace.
