“By mercy and lovingkindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart, And by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Proverbs 16:6-7 AMP
God gives us everything we need in His Word to show us how to respond to to those who have hurt, abused, misused or confused us.
God tells us we need a few things in order to have peace with our enemies:
Mercy and lovingkindness (endless compassion—other translations say “unfailing love and faithfulness”).
- Keep praying importunately. Never stopping or giving up. 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].”
- This is what cleanses wickedness from our heart and theirs. Other translations say this is what makes “atonement for sins” which is the reconciliation and restoration with God and man.
- This is what changes us from Christians to Christ-Followers, from religious to relational.
The Fear of the Lord
This will cause us to think twice and even three times before we say what we want to out of pride and the flesh.
Live our lives pleasing to the Lord
Character and integrity will always bring peace in the end.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your wisdom in how to respond to those who have done wrong to me. I thank You for a greater anointing to pray for them without ceasing and never give up.
Help me to bear this burden in love. I fear You Lord and not man, so thank You that I stay away from evil and any opportunity to sin. I thank You that my life pleases You and I will see peace with my enemies. In Jesus’ name, Amen.