When my husband, Joe, and I moved to our current home over 30 years ago, it didn't take long for us to realize that the neighborhood children were a bad influence on our young sons. When we told our boys that they were no longer allowed to spend time with these troublemakers, the retribution from our neighbors was swift and severe. So much damage was done to our house that our insurance company paid for us to get all new siding for it. On one of the occasions when my husband called the police for assistance, the mother of one of the perpetrators shouted to the officers, "They deserve it!" Even the police could not believe this woman's irrational and malicious behavior. It was not long after this incident that this lady's husband left her for another woman, and she has been alone ever since.

Whenever I think about this neighbor of mine, the verses in Proverbs cited above come to mind. The Amplified Bible gives us even greater insight into the principle within these verses when it states: "Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles or is overthrown, lest the Lord see it and it be evil in His eyes and displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him [to expend it upon you, the worse offender]." (Proverbs 24:17-18 AMP) In other words, when we gloat over our enemy's misfortune, as my neighbor did, we open ourselves up not only to demonic attack, but to divine discipline.

There is a better way - a godly way - to deal with our enemies. "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." (Romans 12:19 NIV) When we try to avenge ourselves when others do us wrong, God is likely to sit on the sidelines and let us make a mess of things. But when we turn to Him in humble dependence, and wait upon Him to execute justice for us, He will handle the situation in ways that will cause us to come out on top. As Scripture tells us: "Do not say, 'I'll pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you." (Proverbs 20:22 NIV)

My husband and I are now on friendly terms with all of the neighbors who mistreated us all those years ago. God righted our wrongs, and He will do the same for you, if you will commit yourself and your unfair circumstances to Him. Always remember the Lord's precious promise that says, "The Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" (Isaiah 30:18 NIV)

Prayer: Lord, whenever I am being wronged in any way, remind me of Your promise that says You "give justice to all who are treated unfairly." (Psalm 103:6 TLB) Help me to respond in a Christlike fashion in ways that will bring You glory, and draw others to You through me. Teach me to pray for my enemies, and to never try to avenge myself. Thank You for vindicating me, and causing me to come out on top every single time!