An Object of Dread

Psalm 31: 11 Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach,
Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances;
Those who see me in the street flee from me.

Enemies (adversaries) are those who are against us, against who we are, what we’ve done to them, how we’ve lived our life, etc.  And again, just like grief (as mentioned in yesterday’s devo) can occur because of our own wrongdoing, adversaries can hate us because of something evil we have done, as well. Or they might hate us because of the good we represent.

Whatever the reason, we often encounter those who are “against us.”  Squabbles with neighbors can cause once good friends to part ways and move on.  Arguments and misunderstandings with friends can turn them into enemies.  And when we are seen by them, they look the other way.

When we are seen as someone to be avoided, a reproach, or a dread – we can react two ways.  We can hate the person right back, we can mend fences by repenting if we’ve wronged them, or if we’ve done no wrong – we can pray for those who hate us. 

It’s really our choice.  And once we make a good choice, we’re free and those who hate us cannot hurt us…