Frank Fulop 29.04.2021
The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.(Psalm 33:5) Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalm 89:14) You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil. (Psalm5:4)
In these challenging times, have you ever heard people say, “Why should our country (or Government) be the first to speak out against the evil practices of foreign nations more powerful than ourselves, even our major trading partner.”?
Have you have ever heard people say, “It is none of our business to meddle and comment on the internal affairs of other nations.”?
Have you ever noticed how many people are prepared to speak out against the internal affairs of most nations, yet are unwilling and fearful to speak out against the oppressive regimes of some powerful nations, turning a blind eye to the evil they do?
Have you ever noticed when foreign powers punish a nation in some way, for example, by raising tariffs on their exports, in speaking up for what is right, people say similar retaliation should be taken against them?
Have you ever noticed how nations can show partiality in the measures they take? For example, larger nations are prepared to impose sanctions as a deterrent on rogue states whose behaviour is threatening, but have a low or nil economic impact. On the other hand, they are not prepared to speak out or take similar measures on more powerful regimes who not only have the ability to harm them militarily, but damage their economies!
Let’s not forget that evil is not just limited to powerful nations. Have you seen the power of big technology companies and social media platforms silencing free speech because it doesn’t suit the agenda they want to promote, those which are in their interests? Have you seen big corporate businesses, through their products and advertising, support the ‘socially progressive’ beliefs of those who are able to harm their business? Have you seen many of our institutions promote and encourage the same beliefs?
I am sure you have made many similar observations on these and many other concerns. What does the Bible teach us about doing what is right in the sight of God?
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “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 (meaning you will make him feel guilty and ashamed).” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
(1 Peter 3:9) We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4) (NLT) Love one another. As I (Jesus) have loved you, so you must love one another.
(John 13:34) As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9) As for God, his way is perfect. (Psalm 18:30)
Hate evil, love good. (Amos 5:15)Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:44-45)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14) Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. (Isaiah 1:17) Differing weights and differing measures – the Lord detests them both. (Proverbs 20:10) Do not conform to the pattern of this world. (Romans 12:2) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12)
How horrible it will be for those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who turn what is bitter into something sweet and what is sweet into something bitter. (Isaiah 5:20) (GW) There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground. (Amos 5:7) Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully. (Proverbs 28:5) As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds.’ (1 Samuel 24:13)
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Matthew 5:10-11) You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.”But I (Jesus) tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:43-45) If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. (1 Peter 2:20) The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. (1 Samuel 26:23)
Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.(Matthew 5:16) When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7) Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. (Job 22:21)
Speak up and judge fairly. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. (Proverbs 31:8-9) Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? (Psalm 94:16) Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. (Proverbs 14:34)
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effectiveness of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:17) Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. (Proverbs 1:33)
