Naomi Johnson
One thing I wasn't prepared for as a preacher's wife was dealing with enemies. We are taught about it, but I never expected to have any. Why do we think every one will like us and treat us as a Sister? The scriptures provide clues:
(Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of enemy are profuse. (Pro 27:6))
Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others do not even the Gentiles the same? Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Mat 5:43-48)
So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth? (Gal 4:16)
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another; in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer; communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits. Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:19-20)
Being nice to someone who hurts you is hard, but if you PRAY, it will get easier. Sister Irene Taylor taught a ladies class that I attended, and her lesson on joy has been such a blessing to me through hard times. I pray that others might benefit from her words: "Joy is not the absence of trouble! Joy is not an inborn trait and is not learned overnight." In Philippians 4:11 Paul declared, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content." We are happiest when we know we are living right in His sight. Only when we follow the Bible do we have such assurance. One's joy in life is determined largely by one's attitude, how we choose to face life. Paul continues in verse 12, "I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want." When trials come or when enemies arise (and they will) will we be stepping stones or stumbling stones?
My bretheren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (Jam 1:2-3)
Christian joy is attainable if we do things God's way rather than our own way.
It is hard for thee to kick against the goad. (Act 26:14)
PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! BE DILIGENT IN STUDY!
...seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; (2 Peter 1:3)
Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing. In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefaceness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works. Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness. (1Ti 2:8-12)
