Peace On Earth

December 16

(Psalm 139:19-22 NIV) “If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! {20} They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. {21} Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you? {22} I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.”

(Matthew 5:43-48 NIV) ““You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' {44} But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, {45} that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. {46} If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? {47} And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? {48} Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

(Romans 12:9-21 NIV)  "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. {10} Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. {11} Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. {12} Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. {13} Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. {14} Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. {15} Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. {16} Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. {17} Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. {18} If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. {19} Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. {20} On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." {21} Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

David was a warrior and many times spoke as a warrior. In the midst of this great Psalm, he declares his hatred for the wicked. He wants those who curse God’s name to be eliminated. Those who have dealt with evil can identify with his feelings. But when God came to Earth in Christ, He came as a man of peace. Jesus taught that loving friends was easy, and that His followers were to love even their enemies. They were to be known for loving, not hating. Paul later wrote that those who belong to Christ were not to repay evil with evil and were not to be among those who seek revenge. Instead, they were to care for their enemies needs. They were to conquer evil with good, and overcome hate with love. This is hard teaching, but what else would we expect from the One who so loved the world that He gave us His Son… and who came on that first Christmas as the Prince of Peace? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day