Focus Chapters:
- Job 30-31
Standout Verse(s):
Job 31:29-30 NLT
“Have I ever rejoiced when disaster struck my enemies,
or become excited when harm came their way?
No, I have never sinned by cursing anyone
or by asking for revenge.
Observation (s):
- Job considered the godless to be persons who rejoiced at the misfortune of their enemies.
“Have I ever rejoiced when disaster struck my enemies,
or become excited when harm came their way? - Job considered it sinful to curse (wish bad on) an individual or seek or ask for revenge.
No, I have never sinned by cursing anyone
or by asking for revenge.
Application:
Job shame me! As I read today’s focus verses, my mind dashed back to times when I used “vengeance belongs to God.” to gloat at the comeuppance that would surely come my enemy’s way. God forbid if I got to see that comeuppance in action. I would be ecstatic! I can’t even begin to consider the number of times that I have cursed my enemies and wished a world of hurt for them or hurl my desire for revenge into the atmosphere. We all know the power of our words.
Job showed me that I still a far way in my journey to becoming pure as gold while reminding me of God’s command to “love my neighbor as myself.” As I consider my previous behaviour, I must admit that gloating at the misfortune of my enemies or wishing them bad are not acts of godly love.
These are situations in which God is removed and self is at the forefront. Honestly, these are behaviours that I am certain I would not relish if, God forbid, I should reap what I have sown. From today and now on, I will extend godly love, even to my enemies.
