When “That Person” Fails, Do You Chuckle?

Obadiah; Psalm 133; Proverbs 29:26-27

You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. – Obadiah 1:12

Edom had been glad when Judah’s enemies won the victory. Even though Edom and Judah shared a common ancestry, a common history, Edom acted as an enemy toward Judah. And when Judah was harmed, Edom celebrated.

Of course, Edom thought it was safe. Geographically, the country was a hard one to fight against. Since Judah’s enemies had overlooked Edom, Edom thought they would always be overlooked, always be avoided, always be safe from harm.

But God had seen their treachery, their wickedness, their evil celebrations. And God can reach anyone.

Now this all happened on a national level. But just about every day, something similar happens on a personal level. We all have people who are hard to get along with, easy to overlook, easy to avoid. We all have people who make us feel bad about ourselves and about life, and we would rather that they just stayed away from us.

And when bad things happen to these people, we are all tempted to celebrate at least a tiny little bit.

But God knows our hearts. And God sees our sinful celebrations against these people, many of whom are supposed to be considered our brothers and sisters in Christ. Rather than focusing on our familial relationships and seeking their good, we tend to think of those who annoy us as people who “got what was coming to them.” And we go on our ways in pride, patting ourselves on the back for not being the kind of people who end up with the same problems.

Father, may we love our brothers more than that!

Who has some suggestions for how we can help those who are hurting instead of standing back to scoff?