I’ve been stabbed. Again.

Scripture compares God’s Word to a sword and boy, did I get it this week. Check out this verse:

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from him. (Proverbs 24: 17-18 NIV)

Have you been there?

That smirk, that grin when your not-so-favorite person gets what’s coming? Perhaps it’s an annoying classmate, an over-talkative mom in your book club, or a business associate. It could even be—Gasp!—a sibling.

But check God’s reaction. He is not only concerned with justice for your bad guy, He’s also concerned with your attitude.

Ouch! No gloating? No feelings of revenge or superiority? Even when they deserved it?

Nope.

Aww, man!

I know. Me too, but stay with me. What is God wanting to see instead?

Perhaps a recognition that all sin is ugly and never something to rejoice over.

Maybe an understanding that the next sin could be our own.

Possibly an extension of grace—‘cause that’s what I’d want if I was hurting. James reminds us, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

Allow God to deal with your not-so-favorite someone. Stay vigilant and keep your heart pure lest you, like me, find yourself on the cutting end of God’s sword.

Questions:

Define justice.

Is a desire for justice right or wrong?

How can it get twisted?

Have you been gloated over?

Have you done some gloating?

How does a change in perspective change our attitude?