Friday, August 21, 2026
Christ Transforms Us, We do not Change Anyone Else
Our enemies teach us things about ourselves. Our response to them shows what might need work in ourselves.
In the times when I left my enemies to God, even if nothing changed the offenders, I learned to act like Christ.
There is no exercise without workouts. Our emotional and mental state must be "boot camp" at times to be able to learn how Christ would act.
Matthew 27:14: "But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed."
When the gossip flies unjustly, ignore it; do not try to fix it. God has our back, and He knows how to reach people better than we do.
My prayer for my enemies is that they will hear God and repent. Anything other than that is up to Him.
Romans 12:19: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 12:18-20 "…18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
We do not do good to heap hot coals; the hot coals may be a result of our kindnesses, but if it is our goal to cause guilt, then we are guilty of subtle revenge.
Leviticus 19:18: "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."
When we attempt to do God's work for Him, we are playing god ourselves.
Our goal, no matter what anyone else is doing, is to remain in the will of Christ. Our goal is not to change others; our goal is to share information that can help others seek Christ for change in themselves.
2 Thessalonians 1:6 "After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you."
1 Thessalonians 4:6 "and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you."
Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Luke 6:27-28 "But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
The most important thing is that we follow Christ ourselves; we are not in charge of changing the character of others only informing them so they can seek Christ to transform them.
Proverbs 20:22 "Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you."
In the times when I left my enemies to God, even if nothing changed the offenders, I learned to act like Christ.
There is no exercise without workouts. Our emotional and mental state must be "boot camp" at times to be able to learn how Christ would act.
Matthew 27:14: "But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed."
When the gossip flies unjustly, ignore it; do not try to fix it. God has our back, and He knows how to reach people better than we do.
My prayer for my enemies is that they will hear God and repent. Anything other than that is up to Him.
Romans 12:19: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 12:18-20 "…18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
We do not do good to heap hot coals; the hot coals may be a result of our kindnesses, but if it is our goal to cause guilt, then we are guilty of subtle revenge.
Leviticus 19:18: "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."
When we attempt to do God's work for Him, we are playing god ourselves.
Our goal, no matter what anyone else is doing, is to remain in the will of Christ. Our goal is not to change others; our goal is to share information that can help others seek Christ for change in themselves.
2 Thessalonians 1:6 "After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you."
1 Thessalonians 4:6 "and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you."
Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Luke 6:27-28 "But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
The most important thing is that we follow Christ ourselves; we are not in charge of changing the character of others only informing them so they can seek Christ to transform them.
Proverbs 20:22 "Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you."
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