Can you bring up a good reason for us to grapple with someone?

[Leonardo Von]

Can you bring up a good reason for us to grapple with someone?

•    “Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.” (Proverbs 3.30).

It’s obvious that we need to be like Job: “perfect and upright, and one who feared God and *turned aside from evil* (Job 1.1). But, and if a person does us some harm? Should we tell this person off or lash out at him (or her)?

Look on the promises of the Creator (for instance, the ones below):

•    No weapon that is formed against you shall be blessed; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the inheritance of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from Me, says Jehovah” (Isaiah 54.17);
•    “Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!". so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me." (Hebrews 13.5,6);
•    “because they did not meet the sons of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them so that he should curse them. But *our God turned the curse into a blessing*.” (Nehemiah 13.2). - as the Creator did for Israel He can do for us.

Based on this I only see one thing that someone can do against us: wrench the Holy Scripture. After all, this can mislead several people that could be used by Jesus for succouring us through His grace at an opportune day (see 1Peter 5.8,9; Hebrews 4.16).

In this case, we can follow the instruction of Jesus:

•    “But if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, take one or two more with you, so that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he neglects to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen and a tax-collector.” (Matthew 18.15-17).

Nevertheless, don’t forget as Jesus came to grips with the heathen and tax-collectors: he walked and ate with them (Matthew 9.11; 11.19). Furthermore, may the elation of the salvation be our joy:

•    “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalms 51.12).

So, enjoy your weekend with Jesus, being used to saving the sinners instead of cursing, wrestling or looking down on them.
 

[Bawb]

Have you ever tried to save someone from drowning? They hit you, punch you and even try to drag you down with them...

Even though, in the end you save their life. How much harder should we try to help them save their own souls?