We should not rejoice in another’s suffering or be quick to condemn or judge. That is not for us to do, we should instead pray that those living in darkness will see God’s light.
Have you ever been quick to judge when what you perceive as a well deserved judgment is meted out to someone who has broken the law? Someone who you feel has just received the justice that you think they deserve. We may say things like “serve him/her right” or “justice is served, thank you Jesus”. This is usually the first reaction that the human mind conjures up unfortunately and that is because we are human, we have not gotten to a point where we can perhaps say that and in the same breath create some balance by praying for the person and hope that some way, somehow they will repent of their sins.
We should be quick to pray for their salvation because as Christians we should understand that Christ died on the cross for all; that there is forgiveness for everyone. Of course we know that there is a consequence for every action and we do acknowledge that but we ought to remember that the Bible says clearly in Ephesians 6:12 that “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”.
So maybe for a minute we can separate the emotions and think that this person possibly could have been inspired to act by someone/something other than himself/herself. It could also happen to anyone of us if we are not on our guard and if we do not suit up with the armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV) tells us about The Armor of God “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand”.
Even the lowest among us can receive salvation, points me to Paul’s initial life in the Bible.
Paul was always talking about being the least of the saints and we can understand why he viewed himself as such. If we were to briefly look at the story of Paul whose original name was Saul; Saul did many things, he was a Pharisee and an avid persecutor of the Christian Church, he was sometimes described as being merciless. So he could be easily likened to criminals in our society today. Saul had approved of the stoning of Steven, he was given authority to arrest any person who was a follower of Jesus. Saul helped in murdering and imprisoning innocent people.
Until God rescued him while travelling on the road to Damascus. He was struck down by a blinding light as described by the Bible. Saul then heard a voice say to him: Acts 9:4-6 (NIV)”Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
God can change anyone of us at anytime so we really should not be quick to judge but instead we should be quick to prayer. If God can change Paul and cause him to become one of the most influential of the apostles despite his background, he can change the wrong doers in our society today. There is hope for everyone through Christ. God freed us all from condemnation so let us not condemn one another but instead understand that our power to live the Christian life comes from God, not ourselves.
So let us instead acknowledge that everyone has an opportunity to change and instead of rejoicing in another’s suffering even if they have done us wrong let us instead pray for them that the love of God will reach them and change them. As hard as it might be, God asks us to forgive and let go and to be of service to others through educating them. It is our duty as Christians. Let us start.