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.
Will God punish someone who hurt me?
u201cFor one thing, he might keep you from getting hurt anymore,u201d Mikelle, 11, says. u201cYou don’t have to take it into your own hands.u201d When we seek vengeance on our enemies, we expose ourselves to further retaliation.
Can you pray for discipline?
Dear God, I pray that I can guard the minutes hours you’ve given me with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within me; I pray for self-discipline; and I pray that you can do more with my minutes hours than I can alone.
What does God say about punishment?
The Lord instructs Moses in Leviticus Chapter 24, verses 17 through 21, in words that uphold the death penalty and include the phrase, “If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.”
What does God say about revenge?
u201cBless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse; do not repay anyone evil for evil. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath,u201d says the Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 12: u201cIt is mine to avenge; I will repay,u201d says the Lord.
How do you know when God is punishing you?
Because you’re a normal human being in a broken world, you’re experiencing difficult losses, painful emotions, terrible situations, depression, and loneliness. Your feelings are normal, but they’re not accurate; you think God is punishing you, but that’s just how you feel. God loves you and is watching over you.
What are the 7 spiritual disciplines?
Dallas Willard’s The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives
- Abstinence disciplines include solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, and sacrifice
- Engagement disciplines include study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession, and submission.
How do you gain self discipline?
7 easy ways to improve your self-control
- Set small goals first.
- Practice prioritizing.
- Know your weaknesses.
- Get friends to hold you accountable.
- Put your goals where you can see them every day.
- Remind yourself why you started.
- Know your weaknesses.
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.
Are there any unforgivable sins?
Several passages in the Synoptic Gospels, including Mark 3:28u201329, Matthew 12:31u201332, and Luke 12:10, as well as other New Testament passages like Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:26u201331, and 1 John 5:16, specify one eternal or unforgivable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit), also known as the sin unto death.
What is God’s punishment for adultery?
Adultery between a man and a married woman is punishable by death in Leviticus 20:10: “And the man who committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he who committeth adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”
Does God let sin go unpunished?
If God is who He claims to be (which He is), then He must punish His children. He cannot let sin go unpunished if He is just and righteous. Non-Christians will be judged, and Jesus’ blood will not cover their sins, and their punishment will be a literal Hell.
Why is it bad to get revenge?
1. It won’t make you feel better. Unfortunately, research shows that people who seek revenge rather than forgiving or letting go end up feeling worse in the long run. You’d be much better off focusing your energy on moving forward in a positive way.
Is getting revenge worth it?
Well, the science is in, and a recent psychology study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that getting revenge makes you feel a lot happier, though it’s worth noting that this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best course of action.
How do I let go of revenge?
hints
- Recognize that revenge is not a constructive conflict resolution. Recognize that carrying anger and seeking revenge consumes your energy and time. Recognize that you have a choice.