Forgive How Many Times?
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for what to ask to happen to opponents and enemies. In Jesus’ name, amen.
In life, opposition arises. It can come from one person or a group. Should we be asking for bad things to happen to those who oppose us?
David, the psalmists, in Psalm 35:1-6 (ESV) appears to do so because he asks God to intervene against those who contend with him:
“Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me!
Take hold of shield and buckler
and rise for my help!
Draw the spear and javelin
against my pursuers!
Say to my soul,
‘I am your salvation!’
Let them be put to shame and dishonor
who seek after my life!
Let them be turned back and disappointed
who devise evil against me!
Let them be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the Lord driving them away!
Let their way be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the Lord pursuing them!”
David seeks God’s intervention on his behalf. He is asking God to judge those who are opposed to him.
Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV) is about forgiving those who sin against us:
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
Trust God to render judgment in his perfect timing.
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