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THE BOOK OF GOD'S PROMISES

Dealing with Enemies

By J. Stephen Lang

CBN.com -- You won't find a promise in the Bible that you will never have enemies. In fact, the Bible makes it plain that people of faith will have enemies and will endure persecution.

But the Bible does promise us that God is greater than any enemy we will ever face. We may be small and weak compared with those who oppose us, but our enemies are small and weak compared with God. Even if justice is not done in this life, God guarantees that there is a final justice.

The LORD is for me, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people. It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Psalm 118:6-9

He will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high, above my enemies who surround me.

Psalm 27:5-6

The LORD saves the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.

The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

Psalm 37:40

With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.

Psalm 60:12

When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them.

Proverbs 16:7

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the LORD means safety.

Proverbs 29:25

If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.

Instead, do what the Scriptures say: "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you."

Romans 12:14, 20

"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Love your neighbor' and hate your enemies. But I say, love your enemy! Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."

Matthew 5:43-48

See also Forgiveness, Hate, Mercy.

The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J. Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.

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