April 15 - No Rejoicing.

Proverbs 24:17-18
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.”
 
We are forbidden to rejoice when our enemies find themselves in the midst of failure, suffering or trials.
 
God tells us that, for doing so, the punishment for our critical and wrong spirit by relieving the pain they are under.
 
When we desire to rejoice or mock our enemy’s circumstances, we must remember that such conduct is actually rooted toward God.
 
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.”
 
Instead of rejoicing, David chose to weep over his enemies’ condition for he saw the need of their soul.
 
Psalm 35:13-14
“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.”
 
What does Christ tell us is the best way to handle those we have issues with?
 
Matthew 5:43-45
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

When was the last time you expressed love toward them?
Have you tried to do something to bless them?
Have you done good unto them?
Have you prayed for them?
 
Consider what relationships have been struggling, and seek to apply this Wisdom to each situation.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Joshua 23-24  |  Acts 16  |  Proverbs 15