Love doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rather rejoices in the truth. People sometimes rejoice over the wrong things. I hope I am not in that crowd. As the early church experienced persecution by the Roman government and particularly Herod, some religious leaders were actually pleased at the harm befalling James and Peter. How I we guard our hearts from rejoicing when harm befalls others? I can pray to a God who is above, and who is completely able to meet my needs. Sometimes, He intervenes and miraculously thwarts the plans of evildoers. When He does, its certainly cause for rejoicing. There is no shortage of evil in the world. All the more reason to pray.
Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword. When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well. (Now these were the days of Unleavened Bread.) When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, turning him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending only after the Passover to bring him before the people. So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made to God intensely by the church. Acts 12:1-5 NASB
Do I find myself rejoicing at the harm befalling others? How well have I learned the difference between right and wrong?
God, as this day begins- I am thinking about all the injustices in our world, the hurt and pain, and even war unfolding in Europe. Oh, the state of sinful man. Help me find Your perspective in all things. I want to rejoice when appropriate and never over wrong things. Please work in my life today and through my life to share Your love and hope with others.
