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Heart Check #1: Does Your Heart Find Pleasure In Judgment?
Most everyone has a sense of justice. How many love to see the bad guy in a movie get his just deserts? We love to see injustice undone, but there is something of which to be weary when it comes to judgment: rejoicing when others fall or at the thought of their judgment. Jesus said to rejoice because our names are written in the Book of Life. If we didn’t receive forgiveness of sins, they would not be written in that book. Have you considered the alternative? I mean really thought about it?
Why would anyone get happy at the thought of the wicked being judged and cast in the lake of fire in the end? “He’ll get his!” Sounds like judgment, or perhaps revenge is lurking in the heart. Does any of this match the heart of God?
Heart Check #2: God’s View on Judgment
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
These two verses make it pretty clear cut: God prefers repentance over judgment. He is not looking to destroy people; He’s looking to save them from the wrath to come. Why would we want anything different?
Heart Check #3: Do You Protect Your Heart From Rejoicing in the Downfall of Others?
Proverbs 24:17-18 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Or the LORD will see it and be displeased, And turn His anger away from him.
In all honesty, it’s easy to fall into the trap of getting on the gleeful side when someone “deserving” takes a tumble. But, that’s the way of the flesh. While it seeks mercy from others, it does not give quarter to those who cry out for it. The flesh gets happy when its enemies fall, and downright giddy when it’s a hard fall. In essence, the flesh embraces death.
Romans 8:6-8 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Heart Check #4: Overcome Evil With Good
Luke 6:27-28 But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Romans 12:18-21 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Our flesh cries crucify and burn them; our spirit cries forgive and save them. The flesh screams vengeance. The Spirit says forgiveness is vengeance. Sometimes it can be easier to hurt someone than forgive him or her. It comes down to what nature you are following.
It is important to remember our fight is not against people; rather, we fight for them. The enemy of our souls wants us to come into agreement with him. He desires the destruction of all humanity in order to strike out at God.
Satan wants us to hate, accuse and condemn others, which is why forgiving them is sweet vengeance. An act of kindness, such as extending mercy may lead another to repentance. In which case, one who might have considered himself your enemy, now is your brother. Even better, God would now be his Father.
What is your heart’s desire for humanity? What about those who would be considered enemies of the Cross? Were you once an enemy? Jesus died for everyone! Do you remember the apostle, Paul? He was an enemy once.
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