In a world filled with conflict and division, the Bible offers guidance on how to respond to those who may not have our best interests at heart. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, as seen in Luke 6:27. We are reminded that we are in a spiritual battle, and the whole world lies under the evil one, as noted in 1 John 5:19. However, we can trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, seeking to understand His ways, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:4-6 and Jeremiah 33:3, and finding comfort and protection in His presence, as described in Psalms 91:1-16.
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But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.
Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon. Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you. You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling— my refuge, the Most High— no evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent. “Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; 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.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.