This may sound strange, but for most of my life, I had no idea what a real enemy was like, although in the past year I have been overwhelmed by an enemy. A person consumed with jealousy and discontentment has made it a personal mission to take it out on me. Rumours and gossip abound. Tears flood my pillows. All I can do is hold on to Jesus. He knows the truth and gives me strength to overcome each day.

Micah 7:18 – Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (NIV)

The nation of Israel also had enemies. Men lay in wait to shed blood. Rulers demanded gifts. Evil was skilfully crafted. No one could trust a neighbour. Families dishonoured each other. I can't imagine how horrible that must have been, but I am grateful for Micah's words, "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." (Micah 7:7 NIV)

So that is what I hold on to at the end of every day — that God will hear me.

He will, and He does. He also calls me to "put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13 ESV)

He also asks that I should "be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36 ESV)

Today, I am just sticking to the Scriptures and trying to live out what it says, because it's the only way to overcome the enemy.

James 2:12-13 – So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (ESV)

Proverbs 11:17 – A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. (NIV)

Therefore, I am making it my personal mission to be kind. For my enemy, I desire to pray for success, peace of mind, good health, truth, and forgiveness. When I was a child, I attended a girls' club at our church, and every week, we were asked, "What does the Lord require of you?" and together, we girls would repeat words taken from Micah 6:8 — "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God."

Today, I'm going to delight in showing mercy.

Let's pray: Merciful God, thank You for forgiving us and for loving us always. Help us to love our enemies and to show them mercy and compassion. Lord, we ask that we can be patient as we wait for You to live, work, and move in our life. Help us to be humble as we delight to show mercy. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Lubbers <ttklubbers@hotmail.com>
Soroti, Uganda
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