Perhaps the most difficult commandment is to forgive those who have hurt us. We often hope that some calamity or punishment will fall upon them.
There is a German word “Schadenfreude.” It means pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.
The Lord has warned us against these prideful feelings.
Proverbs 24
[17] Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
The Lord has even taught us to do good unto our enemies.
Exodus 23
[4] If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
Proverbs 25
[21] If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Our Lord set an example when a band of men came to arrest him in the Garden of Gethsemane. One of these was Malchus, who was a servant of Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter drew his sword and cut off Malchus’ right ear.
But Jesus then touched Malchus and healed his ear. (Luke 22:49-51 & John 18:10)
Jesus also asked his father to forgive the soldiers who nailed him to the cross. (Luke 23:34)
Likewise, Stephen asks the Lord to forgive the mob that stonned him.
Acts 7
[59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
[60] And he 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.
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These are noble and ideal principles which I need to follow.
May the Lord bless you,
Tom Irvine