Should We Pray for God to Punish Our Enemies?
Frida Ghitis: The months of June and July have been difficult for Christians in America, and she says we should avoid alarmism and fear mongering in response to events in the news, instead considering the psalms of judgment.
Sing a Song of Judgment
Yes, we should love our enemies and give up our cloaks and walk the extra mile to return good for evil, as David prays in Psalm 69 against “those who hate me without cause.” Can we ask God to pour out indignation on our opponents?
Love Your Enemies and Pray for Judgment
In Romans 12, Paul warns Christians against taking vengeance into their own hands; however, reminding ourselves of God’s judgment does not negate the call to love. In what situations, then, are the imprecatory psalms of judgment appropriate?
Who Are Our Enemies?
Paul claims that the psalms of judgment are not intended for all unbelievers; not all unbelievers are enemies of God’s people in the strict sense, he claims. Paul categorizes humanity into four groups: friends inside and outside the church, enemies inside and outside the church, and enemies within the church. Enemies inside the church are those who deny Jesus by distorting core biblical teaching.
Pray with the Scriptures
David Frum: Psalms of judgment are powerful weapons, but they’re also difficult to use, he says, and they should be used in situations involving enemies both inside and outside the church. Frum prays to God for guidance as well as wisdom in praying the psalms.
What does the Bible say about sinners praying?
In order to become a Christian, one must confess with his mouth, that is, say the sinner’s prayer. Revelation 3:20 is used to teach that Christ is knocking at the door of one’s heart, and when a lost person asks Him to come inside, Jesus comes into the sinner’s heart. Romans 10:9-10, 13 are used to affirm that one must confess with his mouth, that is, say the sinner’s prayer.
Is it OK to pray against your enemies?
Can I pray against my enemies? The Bible allows prayers against our enemies, but only at specific times, and only with godly intentions and a godly heart. You cannot pray against your enemies out of hatred.
What does God consider to be wicked?
“The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, and virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality,” according to the International Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE).
Can God use sinners?
“For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,” says Matthew 9:12, which is fantastic news! We’re all sinners who fall short of the glory of God, but He can and will still use us all. This means that you’re not too far gone for God to love and use you.
Can God bless a sinner?
While all wrongdoing is sin, there is sin that is not deadlyu201d (5:15-17), because being dead in sins blocks any other blessings rather powerfully. So, while God can bless even serious sinners, we should not assume that He will, and instead pray for lifesaving repentance.
Is Psalm 91 a prayer?
Psalm 91 is frequently recited as a protection prayer, and some people say it before going on a journey.
What is a good prayer for healing?
Loved God, I pray that you will comfort me in my suffering, strengthen the hands of my healers, and bless the methods used to cure me; give me such faith in the power of your grace that I may put my complete trust in you even when I am afraid; through our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
What does Psalm 109 say?
Help me, O LORD my God; save me in accordance with your love; let them know that it is your hand; they may curse, but you, O LORD, will bless; when they attack, they will be ashamed, but your servant will rejoice; my accusers will be clothed in shame and wrapped in shame like a cloak.
What does Psalm 10 say?
LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: to judge the fatherless and oppressed, that the man of the earth may no longer oppress. LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: to judge the fatherless and oppressed, that the
What does the Bible say about evil winning?
What does the Bible say? — R.E. DEAR R.E.: The Bible promises that in the end, good will triumph over evil, and evil will be defeated — finally and completely, as it says in 2 Peter 3:13 that “in keeping with (God’s) promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”
What God says about wickedness?
The perfect’s righteousness will direct his path, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness, says Proverbs 11:5.
What is the difference between wicked and evil?
The two adjectives wicked and evil have similar meanings; they both mean immoral or sinful. The main difference between the two is that wicked can connote mischief and playfulness, whereas evil connotes malevolence, immorality, and sin.
How can you tell if someone is wicked?
16 Signs That Someone Is Evil
- They take pleasure in other people’s misfortunes.
- They have control issues.
- They are habitually dishonest.
- You feel strange around them.
- They deceive you.
- They lack remorse.
- They are cruel.