God has a way of using man’s evil intentions for His good and glory.

Jesus spoke a word of forgiveness to those mean souls who meant to destroy Him and annihilate Him. They wanted Him gone, and thought that now they had finally accomplished that feat. Surely His death would be the end of Him and His “trouble-making” revolutionary ways and teachings.

But Jesus understood that what they were doing was all a part of God’s plan. He HAD to die. He HAD to be the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins. While his persecutors and enemies thought they were doing themselves a favor.  However, they  were the unwitting agents of God accomplishing their own undoing. They meant it for evil, but in their act of crucifixion, God was working the ultimate act of good. He was providing for our salvation.

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. – Luke 23:34

Why You Can Forgive Your Enemies

How do we respond to those who treat us unfairly and wickedly? How do we react and respond to their meanness and opposition? We are most like Jesus, when we respond to hatred with love, and evil with forgiveness and grace. We can do this because God IS USING their evil for HIS GOOD purpose.

Let me suggest three “favors” our persecutors and enemies do for us.

They push us closer to God.

In Psalm 27:5, David declares he will find his refuge in the presence of God.

For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble;
He will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
He will lift me high upon a rock.

When they persecute you, let me encourage you to run to the presence of God for comfort and safety. Through prayer and worship, find comfort and safety knowing that you are living for and serving Him. Let Him heal your wounds and recharge your flesh.

They strengthen our faith.

James 1:3-4 we read,

“…for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Those who trouble us never realize that their persecution strengthens our faith. The more we rely on God, the more we find Him reliable. The more we find Him reliable the more trusting we become.   That stretching of our faith help us become more productive in our Christian experience.

They confirm our position in Christ.

In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus teaches us that

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

While I never really want to have enemies, sometimes I wear my enemies as a badge of honor. Some oppose us because we stand for what and Who is right and they don’t. If that be the case, I certainly don’t want to be in their camp. Let’s face it, being right, living right, and doing right will stir up the devil. You might say, if the devil isn’t trying to get you, maybe it’s because he already has you!!!

So, Christ’s words on the cross remind us that we should be prayerful for and merciful to our enemies. God is using them for a higher purpose than what they intend with their meanness. Be glad, rejoice, lift those meanies up in prayer. But most of all, follow the example of Jesus and forgive them. They really are clueless.