The existence of “enemies” does not necessitate the existence of sin or unforgiveness in both parties. God himself had enemies.Bible Reference - Romans 5:10a “... when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son...”
Reflection -
God had/ has enemies... a pretty radical thought. Does this mean he is angry? No. Does this mean He is wrong? No. Bitterly withholding forgiveness? No. Vindictive? No. God had enemies because OTHERS had harmful and antagonistic feelings and actions towards him.
The status of enemy is not necessarily a result of an adversarial position on two sides. If we have a relationship severed with another person and have been unable to resolve this, this should bring hope and peace. We are not ultimately responsible for their responses.
It is important to remember what God did when we were His enemies. He pursued reconciliation. And, his cost of pursuing reconciliation was personal and painful. His Son died.
So here is where we must be prayerfully humble and thoughtful. Yes, I am not ultimately responsible for another person’s reconciliation to me. But, have I pursued reconciliation? Did I pursue it self-sacrificially?
Prayer -
Lord, thank you that we are only responsible for our actions and not other’s responses. At the same time, give us wisdom. help us not to use this as an excuse to be cavalier in our actions. Help us know when and how to be confrontative for your name’s sake.
Help us know when and how to “lose” self-sacrificially. Help us with the pain that results from personal loss for the sake of reconciliation. Help us especially when those losses still do not achieve peace. Rather than hurting for the resulting “double-loss”, remind us of your much greater loss. Remind us that you “endured the cross, scorning its shame” because of “the joy set before” you (Heb 12). We are your joy. Our reconciliation to you brought you to the depths of pain and shame. In your greatness and despite our indifference, you paid so much more than we have ... so much more than we can imagine. You understand the pain of self-sacrifice. And more, you stand by us demonstrating our value and worth. Regardless of the outcome, our self-sacrifice helps us to understand the level of love you have for us. Help our pain open our eyes all the more to understand the infinite depth of your love for us.
