Wishing Well!

Refreshing! Perhaps that makes us think of pure cold water drawn from a well. However, it is also the impact right actions can have on others. What is it we WISH FOR OTHERS? Does it depend on who they are? Perhaps we have all either heard or used the expression, “I wouldn’t wish that upon my worst enemy.” Is that our desire in all situations?

Reading of the life of David it doesn’t take long to recognize a considerable amount of self-restraint when it came to vengeance on enemies. Even those who sought his life (i.e. Saul), he was unwilling to strike out against. In Psalm 35 David noted how some had treated him. This treatment was in spite of how he had been toward them. Still, as at other times, the language of the psalm appears to be left in the context of letting God deal with them ( Psalm 35:1-3) rather than David taking matters into his own hands.

Note how David had been toward these.
“(11) Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. (12) They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft. (13) But I, WHEN THEY WERE SICK -- I WORE SACKCLOTH; I afflicted myself with FASTING; I PRAYED with head bowed on my chest. (14) I went about AS THOUGH I GRIEVED FOR MY FRIEND OR MY BROTHER; AS ONE WHO LAMENTS HIS MOTHER, I bowed down in mourning.” ( Psalm 35:11-14 ESV)

David was TOUCHED BY THEIR AFFLICTION rather than rejoicing in view of it. They were in his prayers. He was sincerely struck by their circumstances. The grief David experienced was as if for a friend, brother, or mother. Ultimately such continued action can bring transformation into a close friendship or sense of family.

Solomon warned. . .
“(17) DO NOT REJOICE WHEN YOUR ENEMY FALLS, and LET NOT YOUR HEART BE GLAD when he stumbles, (18) lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.” ( Proverbs 24:17-18 ESV)

May we let such situations be something with which God will deal. It is possible by our continued acts of kindness that A CLOSER BOND MAY DEVELOP between us and such individuals. Our actions may first bewilder, but then refresh others as they are struck by the reality of their own unkindness. Our righteous actions can ultimately provide an all around benefit.

Have a great day LIVING TO DRAW OTHERS CLOSER TOWARD US AND GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Relationships