Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man that does not walk in the counsel of
the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the
scornful.
Dear beloved, I greet you all in the name of our Lord, Jesus
Christ. Today, I want to share with you a message on a topic that is quite
pertinent. In our lives, we often encounter individuals who engage in
wickedness, those whose actions may be contrary to the teachings of our faith.
Such encounters can be challenging, especially when we strive to live according
to God's Word. However, it is essential to remember that our responsibility to
love and show kindness extends to everyone, regardless of their actions or
attitudes.
The scriptures provide us with the guidance on how to
approach this issue. In Romans 12:20-21, the Bible says, "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. Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good." This scripture teaches us we are to respond
to wickedness not with anger or vengeance but with kindness and love, for it is
the goodness of God that leads men to repentance.
But how do we apply this in our day-to-day lives? First, we
must remind ourselves always to act in love. In situations where we are
confronted by wickedness, it is easy to let anger and resentment cloud our
judgement. However, as followers of Christ, we are called upon to exhibit love,
even when faced with the most severe provocations. Love does not mean we
condone the wickedness or become complacent about it. Instead, it means we meet
it with patience, understanding, and the hope of redemption, just as Christ did
for us.
Second, we strive to guide the wicked towards repentance.
Our response towards wickedness should not just be of passive tolerance, but
active engagement in bringing the light of God's truth to those who are lost in
darkness. We do so not through condemnation but through sharing the
transformative message of God's grace and mercy.
Last, it is about praying for them. The power of prayer can
move mountains. By praying for those who engage in wickedness, we are asking
God to intervene in their lives, to touch their hearts, and to bring about a
transformation that only He can.
In conclusion, beloved, the correct way to approach wicked men is not with hatred, not with vengeance, but with love, wisdom, and prayer. Let us strive to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ, who while on the Cross, prayed for those who were crucifying Him, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. May God grant us the grace and wisdom to apply these teachings in our lives.