Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please God, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
The above picture is a painting of one of my favorite bible stories..."Daniel and the lion's den". Because of jealousy he was thrown down into this pit of lions for twenty-four hours! Yet, as he stood in utter darkness in the very face of these powerful animals hour after hour...minute by minute ... miraculously they did him no harm! And as a result he was not only restored to his position…but was exalted to an even greater place of responsibility and authority.
It is a fact that none of us can walk through this life without having some enemies. Some folks do not need you to give them a reason to be your enemy. They just are. Throughout my life, I have often been in deep distress over the fact that there were certain individuals that I could not persuade to befriend me in any way. No matter how much I humbled myself before them and forgave their insults, for some seemingly unknown reason… they were still determined to set themselves against me.
Subsequently, over the years, as I have examined people’s individual behavior, I have come to the conclusion that envy and jealousy are the primary sources of most hatred in the world today. Some folks are jealous of others because of their wealth, or for a particular skill that others possess that they do not. But, I believe that most envy simply comes from a contrast of character. People are mostly hated for their goodness, kindness, wisdom, and love…and furthermore…those that hate mainly do so because of their lack thereof. This is so clearly illustrated in the story of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis. “Why did Cain slay his brother? Because his works were evil…and those of Abel were good!” I John 3:12
Our relationship with God certainly is our wall of protection and peace from such enemies. Therefore, when that protection somehow becomes breached, it is very probable that God is simply stirring up our enemies against us for two purposes. First, so that we might be drawn back into His presence, and once again begin to seek Him and trust in Him. Second, so that He might deliver us from their oppression and give us freedom from their influence in our lives.
However, it is interesting to note in this particular proverb that the writer indicates that there is a place in life where even our enemies can be at peace with us. It does not indicate that we will not have enemies. It just says that they will be at peace with us, not war. Evidently, when there is a pleasant communion and friendship with God, there is a wall of calm that covers us and protects us…even from those who would seek to do us the most harm. “
Do not be overcome with evil…but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21