I learned a new word.
But I hope I won't be guilty of it.
This word means "Rejoicing at or deriving pleasure from the misfortunes of others."
Our fallen human nature sometimes derives pleasure from the pain of our enemies. Even worse, some folks are jealous of non-enemies and secretly enjoy the pain of their friends and relatives.
God promises each of us will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7)*, but He isn't pleased when we enjoy anyone's misfortune.
"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them." Proverbs 24:17-18
God is interested in our hearts as well as the hearts of our enemies.
Today take a moment and ask God to reveal any envy, jealousy or epicaricacy you might be feeling toward others.
*Sometimes this isn't fully realized until heaven
For more on this subject see Romans 12:14-21: A Crazy Idea and Dealing with Selfish People.
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. And it's 25% off on Lifeway, Christian Book, or Amazon.
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Wow - So much to learn from Gods Word...
ReplyDeleteGood article.
ReplyDeleteUh oh. Thank you. I recall being guilty of this a few times. Didn't know this.
ReplyDeletesadly I've been guilty of this, especially regarding a business competitor. Thank you for the reminder. This wont happen again.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I am guilty of this. WOW, i never stop learning from God's Words.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this devotional. It is a stumbling block for me at times. It's good to put a name to it and pray for forgiveness and be intentional about consulting God for the remedy of this root of bitterness in my heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lord for reminding me of my behavior...Help me Lord to be an excellent person.
DeleteThe Encyclopedia of Early Christianity defines EPICUREANISM: the eradication of fear through scientific or natural understanding of the world. Based on HEDONISM (goal of life being pleasure) and ATONISM (world is composed if atoms and space). Epicurius began the topic in 341 B.C.-270 B.C. referring to De Natura Deorum. Cicero opposed it in 106 B.C.-43 B.C. Christian Padres declared it an enemy of Christianity due tothe denial of benevolent and concerned divinity established.
ReplyDelete