March 26, 2017 (Proverbs 24:29)

“Do not say, ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work'” (Prov 24:29). The principle of reaping what one has sowed (Galatians 6:7) is one which applies to interpersonal as well as international relationships as well as to our relationship with God. Scripture tells us that the Father in heaven has given His Son Jesus “authority to execute judgment” (John 5:27) and this judgment will be determined not by profession of faith in Christ, but by the life we’ve lived: “all who are in the graves will hear His voice, and come forth – those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation” (5:28,29). This proverb warns against doing toward others as they have done toward us which is a quite natural response of unredeemed mankind. The saying ‘Those who are hurt will hurt others’ is all too true in everyday life. But those living in fellowship with Christ understand that His words must be heeded: “those who have done evil” will be condemned. One of the most basic teachings of Jesus to His disciples on the mountainside is to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spite-fully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Such is the essence of this proverb, and will be not only heard but practiced by all who have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches today.