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REFLECTION

Taking advantage is the theme for our reflection. To take advantage is to explore or seize a favourable opportunity to execute an action. Taking advantage in the context of our reflection means seizing the opportunity to harm one’s enemy when he or she is most vulnerable. We shall reflect on the fact that taking advantage of our enemies may seem pleasurable and fulfilling but doing the will of God leads to our vindication.

Beloved in the Lord, it is part of our human nature to harm those who have ill or malicious intent or plans against us but David has taught us that taking advantage of our enemies should not be our business as children and servants of God. “Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’S anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’S anointed.” So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.” (1 Samuel 24:3-7). David refused to take advantage of his enemy’s vulnerability to retaliate or counter attack him. David refrained from attacking King Saul who sought to kill him because he still perceived him as the Lord’s anointed. To go a step further, Jesus teaches us to refrain from attacking all our enemies whether anointed or not, when he said, “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke Luke 6:27-28). Usually, when people hurt us or orchestrate evil against us, we embark on retaliatory prayers. Some Christians will fast and pray for their enemies’ destruction. We are greatly admonished not to take advantage of either physical or spiritual opportunities or means available to us to destroy or retaliate against our enemies. It is unchristian and counterproductive for us to spend our time and energy looking for means to retaliate or counter attack our enemies. Jesus could have cursed all those who maltreated and crucified Him, yet He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). We are to follow the perfect example of Christ and other examples demonstrated by servants of God in the Bible in responding to our enemies.

David teaches us to allow God to vindicate us instead of trying to take advantage of our enemy’s vulnerability. He said to King Saul “See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. May the LORD judge between me and you, may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. (1 Samuel 24:11-12). David greatly encourages us to allow God to fight our battles for us. We must not waste our precious time and energy taking advantage of our enemies. Again, Paul admonishes not to take advantage of our enemies when he wrote, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Roman 12:17-21). Again, the Psalmist enjoin us to “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: ⁶ He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” (Psalms 37:5-6) Dear friend let us use our time and energy to serve the Lord to the best of our ability instead of being preoccupied with sinister motives or agenda to retaliate or take advantage of our enemies at every least opportunity we get. Some of us sing offensive and insulting songs to retaliate against our perceived enemies in our neighbourhoods and even at church. We engage in gossip and slander against them when we have the opportunity. We are to totally refrain from such ungodly activities and allow God to vindicate us in His own time.

In summary we have deliberated on the theme “Taking advantage” We have discovered that taking advantage of our enemies may seem pleasurable and fulfilling but doing the will of God leads to our vindication. Shalom

PRAYER

Holy Spirit strengthen us to overcome the spirit of retaliation. May we reflect the perfect image of Jesus Christ in our response to those who seek our destruction. May those who have been accused wrongly and treated unfairly be vindicated through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.