How should believers respond to enemies, considering Jeremiah 30:16's message? Jeremiah 30:16—A Snapshot of God’s Justice “‘But all who devour you will be devoured, and all your adversaries—every one of them—will go off into exile. Those who plunder you will be plundered, and all who prey upon you will be made spoil.’” (Jeremiah 30:16) What God Promises to Do • He notices every wrong done to His people. • He pledges perfect payback—measure for measure—to every enemy of His covenant family. • He alone carries out the sentence; no enemy will slip through His fingers. What God Expects Us to Do God’s assurance of vengeance frees us from taking matters into our own hands. Scripture consistently pairs His promise of justice with our call to love: • “Do not avenge yourselves…‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19–20) • “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) • “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait on the LORD, and He will deliver you.” (Proverbs 20:22) Practical Ways to Respond to Enemies Trust the Judge—release resentment • Hand the offense to God in faith, knowing He keeps perfect records (Psalm 37:8–9). Return good for evil • Feed and refresh an enemy when the need arises (Romans 12:20; Proverbs 25:21–22). • Speak blessing, not curses (Luke 6:28). Pray for their repentance • Ask God to open their eyes; His justice often includes mercy that turns foes into family (2 Peter 3:9). Follow Christ’s example • “When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate… but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) Stay hopeful, not fearful • God’s settled verdict in Jeremiah 30:16 guarantees that wrongs against His people are temporary. • Our future is secure; enemies can only operate on borrowed time (Psalm 37:1–2). Living Under the Same Promise Today Jeremiah 30:16 is more than ancient history; it’s a standing declaration that God defends His own. Because He will repay, we can: • Reject bitterness. • Practice costly kindness. • Rest in unshakable hope. In short, believers answer hostility with love while letting God handle the justice He has already promised. |
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