“The tongue—who can control it? Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. This should NOT be.” (James 3:9-10)
“Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble.” (Prov.24:17)
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1Pet.3:9).
Lord Jesus, once again we are in a moment of world history—certainly American history, that reveals how much we need you and how little we understand about living in line with the truths of the Gospel (Gal.2:11-14). Whatever our political persuasion, personal ideology, voting record, or ethical convictions—you have something to say, make that a LOT to say about how we respond to downfalls, loses, and even the death of those we consider “enemies.” Gloating is never commanded in the Scriptures; Mercy and wisdom are.
Like your disciples, there will always be moments when we want to call down fire on someone, some places, and some groups (Lk.9:54-55). You rebuked them; and you will rebuke us for the same. Vengeance is yours and yours alone. Like many of your beloved follows through the centuries, we wish you had called us primarily to overturning tables (Jn.2:15); but instead, you called us to wash feet (Jn.13:1-17).
This isn’t the call to pacifism and passivity. Just the opposite—for loving as you love us is the most active, radical, sacrificial, costly way of life imaginable. Being “burned at the stake” still happens for those who love and follow you. But may the Gospel be the most offensive thing about us—not our attitude, rhetoric, and actions.
Suffering for being obnoxious is one thing; suffering because we belong to you is another. Jesus, you didn’t revile when you were reviled (1Pet.2:23)—rather, you entrusted yourself to our Father. You chose being “a Lamb led to the slaughter” (Isa.53:7); not an angry rhinoceros running into the crowd. Jesus, free us, lead us, love through us. So Very Amen.