Are there people in our life whose downfall we have secretly celebrated? How can ###

[TangWeiPing]

Proverbs 24:17: Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, Extended Explanation: Proverbs 24:17 warns us against taking pleasure in the downfall of others, even if those people have wronged us or are considered our enemies. The verse cautions us not to let our hearts rejoice when we see someone stumble or face difficulties. It’s a reminder that as followers of God, we are called to show compassion and humility, even toward those who oppose us. The heart of this verse is about guarding our attitudes. It’s natural to feel satisfaction when someone who hurt us faces consequences, but this proverb tells us that such feelings are not pleasing to God. Instead, we should maintain a heart that reflects God’s love, mercy, and grace. Taking joy in another person’s misfortune reveals bitterness or a lack of forgiveness in our hearts, which goes against the teachings of Scripture. Historical Context: In ancient Israel, the people were surrounded by hostile nations. It would have been easy for the Israelites to rejoice when their enemies experienced defeat or trouble. This proverb would have served as a reminder that God’s people are called to a higher standard. They were to trust God for justice rather than seeking revenge or celebrating the downfall of their foes. King Solomon, who authored much of Proverbs, understood the dangers of harboring resentment. In a culture where honor and revenge were highly valued, this proverb challenged the Israelites to respond differently—to rise above the instincts of vengeance and instead show mercy, reflecting God’s character. Theological Implications: Theologically, Proverbs 24:17 reflects God’s call for us to love others, even those who have wronged us. The Bible consistently teaches that we are not to seek revenge or take delight in the suffering of others (Romans 12:19-21). God desires that our hearts be free from hatred and filled with compassion, even toward our enemies. This verse also aligns with the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to God alone. When we gloat over someone’s downfall, we are assuming a role that belongs to God. He alone is the righteous judge, and He will handle matters of justice in His perfect timing. Literary Analysis: Proverbs 24:17 uses straightforward language to convey a deep moral lesson. The verse is structured as a command—"do not gloat" and "do not let your heart rejoice"—which emphasizes its seriousness. The use of the word "heart" highlights that this is not just about outward actions but also about our inner attitudes. The proverb’s simplicity is part of its power. It doesn’t leave room for excuses or justifications. The message is clear: if you are truly living in a way that honors God, you will not celebrate the downfall of others, even if they are your enemies. Relevant Biblical Cross-References: Matthew 5:44: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Romans 12:20: “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.” Ezekiel 18:23: “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” These passages emphasize God’s desire for us to love others, seek peace, and leave matters of justice to Him. They show that we are to reflect God’s mercy, even to those who have wronged us. What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian: For Christians today, Proverbs 24:17 is a call to examine our hearts, especially in a world where it is easy to be drawn into feelings of revenge or satisfaction at someone else’s misfortune. Whether it’s a difficult colleague, a harsh critic, or someone who has betrayed us, it can be tempting to celebrate when they face setbacks. However, this verse reminds us to rise above that instinct. As followers of Christ, we are called to demonstrate love and mercy in all circumstances. Instead of rejoicing when our enemies stumble, we should pray for them, hoping they will experience God’s grace and transformation. Holding on to resentment or taking pleasure in someone’s downfall does not reflect the character of Christ, who taught us to forgive and show compassion. How This Verse Relates to a Loving God: This verse reflects God’s heart of love and mercy. God does not take pleasure in the suffering of anyone, even those who have done wrong. Instead, He desires that all people turn from their ways and find life (Ezekiel 18:23). By calling us to refrain from gloating over our enemies, God is teaching us to align our hearts with His—showing mercy instead of seeking revenge. God’s love is patient and forgiving, always seeking the restoration of those who are lost. If we are to reflect God’s character, we too must avoid harboring bitterness or celebrating when others face difficulties. Instead, we are called to pray for them and seek their good. How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ embodied the message of Proverbs 24:17 in His life and teachings. He taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Throughout His ministry, Jesus showed compassion, even to those who opposed Him. On the cross, He prayed for forgiveness for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Jesus’ example teaches us that the way of God’s kingdom is not about retaliation or celebrating the downfall of our enemies but about showing mercy and extending grace. As followers of Jesus, we are called to follow His example and live in a way that reflects God’s love and forgiveness, even when it’s hard. Questions for Reflection and Discussion: Are there people in our life whose downfall we have secretly celebrated? How can we change that attitude? How can we show compassion to someone who has hurt us in the past? In what ways can we pray for our enemies and seek their good, even when it’s difficult? How does knowing that God is the ultimate judge help us let go of the desire for revenge? What are practical steps we can take to align our heart with God’s command to love our enemies? Proverbs 24:17 challenges us to rise above our natural instincts and instead reflect God’s love, even toward those who have wronged us. In a world where it’s easy to harbor resentment, this verse calls us to live with compassion, trusting God to handle justice in His perfect way. Prayer for Luke 23:34: “Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.'” And they divided His clothes and cast lots.” Praying through Luke 23:34: Our prayer: Loving Father, we bless and thank You that Your love was so great that You sent Jesus to be our Saviour and that His loving forgiveness includes us. We pray that forgiveness may be a quality that we seek to develop so that we show forth the love of Christ in our life to His praise and glory, AMEN.

 

[Articles]

Oh, beloved, let us search our hearts deeply in light of this truth, for the Word of God pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, discerning the thoughts and intents of our hearts. Proverbs 24:17 is not merely a suggestion but a command from the Lord, who knows the wickedness that can lurk within us when we allow bitterness, pride, or self-righteousness to take root. Have we secretly rejoiced when someone who wronged us faced consequences? Have we felt a flicker of satisfaction when an enemy stumbled? If so, we must repent, for this is not the heart of Christ within us but the old nature that seeks vengeance rather than grace.

The Scriptures are clear: *"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap burning coals on his head. Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good"* (Romans 12:20-21, WEB). This is not a call to passive acceptance of wrongdoing but an active resistance of evil with the power of God’s love. When we respond to hatred with kindness, to betrayal with forgiveness, and to arrogance with humility, we reflect the very nature of our Savior, who prayed for those who nailed Him to the cross: *"Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing"* (Luke 23:34, WEB). Oh, what a radical love this is! It is not natural—it is supernatural, born of the Spirit of God within us.

But let us be honest: this is hard. Our flesh cries out for justice, for retribution, for the satisfaction of seeing wrongs made right in our own timing. Yet the Lord says, *"Don’t say, ‘I will pay back evil.’ Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you"* (Proverbs 20:22, WEB). Vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us. When we take it upon ourselves to celebrate another’s downfall, we usurp His role as Judge and reveal a heart that has not fully surrendered to His lordship. We become like the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son, who refused to rejoice at his brother’s repentance because his heart was hardened by bitterness (Luke 15:25-32). Do we want to be like him, standing outside the feast of God’s grace, or will we enter in, rejoicing even when our enemies turn to Him?

Let us also consider: if we gloat over the stumbling of another, what does that say about our own spiritual state? Jesus warned, *"First, remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye"* (Matthew 7:5, WEB). Often, our secret celebration of another’s failure is rooted in our own pride, our own need to feel superior or justified. But the Gospel humbles us. It reminds us that we, too, were once enemies of God, deserving of judgment, yet He showed us mercy. How then can we withhold mercy from others?

So what shall we do when we realize we have harbored such attitudes? We must repent. We must ask the Lord to soften our hearts, to replace bitterness with compassion, and to fill us with His love, which *"doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth"* (1 Corinthians 13:6, WEB). We must pray for those who have wronged us, not with hollow words but with genuine intercession that seeks their good and their salvation. Remember, the apostle Paul, who once persecuted the church, became its greatest missionary. Who are we to decide that someone is beyond redemption?

Let us also examine our motives. Are we praying for our enemies out of obligation, or do we truly desire their restoration? Do we trust God’s justice, or are we still clinging to our own sense of what is fair? The Lord’s ways are higher than ours, and His timing is perfect. He may allow someone to face consequences for their actions, but His ultimate desire is that they repent and turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9). Our role is not to judge but to love, to forgive, and to point others to the cross.

Finally, let us remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). When we celebrate the downfall of another, we play into the enemy’s hands, for Satan seeks to divide, to harden hearts, and to keep people in bondage. But when we respond with grace, we disarm the enemy and open the door for God’s redemptive work. Our weapons are not of this world—they are prayer, love, forgiveness, and the truth of the Gospel.

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Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts, acknowledging that we have not always reflected Your love and mercy toward those who have wronged us. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have secretly rejoiced in the downfall of others, for the bitterness we have harbored, and for the pride that has kept us from extending grace. We confess that these attitudes are not of You but of our sinful nature, and we ask You to cleanse us and renew our minds by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, You who prayed for Your enemies even as You hung on the cross, teach us to love as You loved. Soften our hearts toward those who have hurt us. Help us to see them through Your eyes—as souls You long to redeem, as people created in Your image, as those for whom You died. Give us the strength to forgive, even when it feels impossible, and the courage to pray for those who persecute us.

Father, we trust You as the righteous Judge. We release our desire for vengeance into Your hands, knowing that You will act justly and in Your perfect timing. Fill us with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard our hearts against bitterness, resentment, and self-righteousness. May we be known as people who overcome evil with good, who bless those who curse us, and who reflect Your love in a broken world.

We pray for those who have wronged us, Lord. Soften their hearts toward You. Bring conviction where there is sin, repentance where there is hardness, and restoration where there is brokenness. Use us as instruments of Your grace, even to those who have been our enemies. May our lives testify to the power of Your love, which conquers hatred and brings life out of death.

In the mighty name of Jesus, who forgave us while we were still sinners, we pray. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

Oh, dear friend, let's pause and consider the wisdom found in Proverbs 24:17. It's a stark reminder that rejoicing in the downfall of others, even our enemies, is not the way of God's kingdom. Instead, we are called to love, pray for, and even bless those who persecute us. This is a tall order, isn't it? But remember, we serve a God who loved us so much that He gave His only Son for us, even while we were still sinners.

So, let's examine our hearts. Have we, in secret, celebrated when someone who has wronged us has faced consequences? If so, let's not condemn ourselves, but let's turn to the Lord in repentance. He is faithful and just to forgive us, as we forgive others.

But what about those who have wronged us? Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for them. This doesn't mean we ignore justice or condone their actions. Instead, we trust that God, who sees all, will act justly in His perfect timing. Our role is to love, to forgive, and to point others to the cross.

Let's also remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. When we rejoice in the downfall of others, we play into the enemy's hands. But when we respond with grace, we disarm the enemy and open the door for God's redemptive work.

So, let's pray together:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging that we have not always reflected Your love and mercy towards those who have wronged us. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have secretly rejoiced in the downfall of others, for the bitterness we have harbored, and for the pride that has kept us from extending grace.

Lord Jesus, You who prayed for Your enemies even as You hung on the cross, teach us to love as You loved. Soften our hearts towards those who have hurt us. Help us to see them through Your eyes - as souls You long to redeem, as people created in Your image, as those for whom You died.

Father, we trust You as the righteous Judge. We release our desire for vengeance into Your hands, knowing that You will act justly and in Your perfect timing. Fill us with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard our hearts against bitterness, resentment, and self-righteousness.

We pray for those who have wronged us, Lord. Soften their hearts towards You. Bring conviction where there is sin, repentance where there is hardness, and restoration where there is brokenness. Use us as instruments of Your grace, even to those who have been our enemies. May our lives testify to the power of Your love, which conquers hatred and brings life out of death.

In the mighty name of Jesus, who forgave us while we were still sinners, we pray. Amen.

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”

 

[The Encourager]

I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.

Healed Spirit Soul And Body​

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Naliogate]

I prayed for this in Jesus Name. Amen.