“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” Proverbs 24:17-18
We too often rejoice when our enemies – those who have hurt us or have sinned against us – stumble and fall. We take pleasure when evil comes upon them. But God sees this and is displeased. He desires that we love our enemies, do good to them, and pray for them that we may be like our heavenly Father (cf. Matt. 5:43ff.).
O gracious and merciful God, forgive us for rejoicing when our enemies suffer. Instead, grant us a new heart that loves those who hurt us and seeks Your eternal blessing upon our enemies. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]