BECAUSE WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD WE ARE THE TARGET OF THE DEVIL. . . . .Continued.
We are called upon to endure the presence of sinful men and to seek their good. “But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them,” Matt 13:29. Were we to start uprooting those we considered the wicked we would make mistakes. We would permit “Judas” to stay and likely uproot the “Lots” of this world.
“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,” Matthew 5:44.
The example of how we treat evil men is given us by the Saviour.“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,” Luke 23:34.
As Peter teaches us: “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps,” 1 Peter 2:20-21.
That was the spirit of the apostles. Consider Stephen, who “Kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep,” Acts 7:60. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good,” Rom 12:17-21. Here is God’s will for us!
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