Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them. Proverbs 24:17-18
Battles against the enemy is a common thing around the world. No matter where a person goes, there is some enemy in the midst and there is usually a battle going on. Some places the battle is physical and there is direct violence against each other. In most places it is a silent battle of words and quiet actions.
One thing that is common among many people is the rejoicing that occurs when the enemy has fallen or been destroyed. People will be happy when someone who is against them suddenly falls upon hard times or gets hurt badly. They feel as though it is well deserved and got what was coming to them.
Solomon said that people are not to gloat when their enemy falls. This is extreme rejoicing, acting as though they are better than the enemy and the enemy only got what they deserved.
The reason for that is that God would see that action and then begin to have mercy on the enemy and turn away His wrath.
Jesus told the disciples that they needed to love everyone, including their enemies. Rejoicing over the fall of the enemy is not showing His love at all. It is easy to look at the fall of your enemy as a good thing, but in doing so you have forgotten that God still loves that enemy.
God is not one who looks forward to destruction of the enemy. He wants all people to come to Jesus and believe in Him. God wants everyone to live forever with Him. When your enemy falls or is destroyed, they are not in the process of being able to live with Him for eternity.
Jesus said you are to pray for your enemies and do good to them. Gloating over their fall is not showing any good to them. It is not the way of God’s love.
How are you showing God’s love to your enemies today?
Is it with vengeance?
Or is it with mercy and kindness?
Seek God today on how you can have His love for your enemies.
I pray today that you will know God’s love for your enemies; that God will fill you with His love, mercy and kindness; and that you will pray blessings on your enemies, rather than curses and rejoicing in their fall.