Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.
Oh the shame I feel when I read this verse! There is something so deliciously delightful about seeing an opponent lose or struggle, especially if they have been gloating or rubbing their skills in our faces. And there seems to be something in human nature which longs for revenge or to smuggly say the words „I told you so.“
Jesus warned Peter that Peter was going to deny him three times before he was crucified – Peter promised Jesus that he would never do that. Jesus had every ‘right’ to prove Peter wrong, or mock him, or rub his words in his face. And yet Jesus had no ‘right’ at all because Jesus’ DNA is one in the same as God’s and God never treats his creation like this. Jesus did not rejoice in Peter’s or any of the other disciples’ denial, instead he was deeply saddened. And when he met them again after he was resurrected, Jesus took no pleasure in their stumbling, instead he chose to serve them – making them breakfast on the seashore, speaking truth to them, sharing more of himself with them. He did not shame Peter when he asked him three times if he loved him – no, he built him up, he commissioned him.
How do I choose to react to those who have hurt or humiliated me? How could I act more like Jesus? Can I have grace for their circumstances and the battles they might be facing? Is there any way that I can serve them, realising that they are soley responsible for their actions as I am for mine?
Heavenly Father, you know the ways I have been hurt by others. And you know what it feels like to be hurt too. Thank you for your love that forgives and covers a multitude of sins. As I am forgiven, please help me forgive those who have hurt me and those who are still hurting me. Protect me from any bitterness eroding my heart and heal my heart from the erosion that has already formed. Forgive me for the ways I have scoffed and gloated at others. Help me have compassion for my enemies.