The Lord has been dealing with me on the concept of vengeance and anger in reaction to my “enemies.”
Micah 2:3
Therefore, the LORD says:
“I am planning disaster against this people,
from which you cannot save yourselves.
It started with one thought. How can I wish evil on my enemy? God has prepared eternal judgment for the wicked and also made a way of salvation.
Romans 12:19
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
God has prepared vengeance and God requires that we allow Him to take care of repayment. So if God has prepared punishment but also forgiveness then we should not wish our enemies evil but grace. Grace that they would find favor in God’s eyes and avoid vengeance that is beyond anything we can imagine.
Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
As a Christian when dealing with unbelievers or saints we are instructed not to curse our adversary but to lift them up and bless them before God. (Romans 12:12, Psalm 109) to pray God has mercy on the evil
The psalmist cries in Psalm 109:21
“But you, O GOD my Lord,
deal on my behalf for your name’s sake;
because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!”
In the middle of a great accusation against his enemy and a call for God’s vengeance, he stops. He calls for God not to curse his enemy (it is almost like he realizes the enemy will get what is coming to him it is an awesome and fitting passage) but more importantly that God would have mercy on Him for his own weakness
Exodus 33:19 (God speaking)
“I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
Pray today for Mercy. Mercy from God for yourself. Mercy from God for your enemies.
I would add there is NOTHING that says that the LAW should be merciful to your enemy. If your enemy has violated the law (a crime etc) the mercy that we are instructed to show is NOT for that. This mercy is for their soul, there ARE consequences for SIN and if that falls under the law of the land then it needs to be dealt with swiftly.
If your enemy is a Christian and has done something illegal then they will want to make that right and face the consequences for their actions (sin/evil/etc) If their attitude is NOT one of repentance then we see outward evidence of fallen man not of the Holy Spirit and they will be dealt with by God.
Best principle is to be slow to speak, slow to act, to just “slow your roll.” (thanks @Brock for that advice in the midst of a storm)