even if they did something horrifying to you or someone you love? (rape/molestation, murder, torture). is it wrong to ask god to smite them, if only so their reigns of terror would end?
2007-09-02 16:04:04 · 5 answers · asked by Han 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is perfectly appropriate to pray for the end of a "reign of terror", but leave it up to God to decide how to end it. If God decides to end the reign of terror by causing the conversion of the guilty party, wouldn't that be better? To pray for the person's death would be very wrong.
2007-09-02 16:10:46 · answer #1 · answered by kcchaplain 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably. This sounds like revenge, which the Bible warns us against.
A better thing to ask for is simply the end of the suffering. Yours, or other victims'.
Now, consider another situation. A person you deeply love is critically ill, perhaps in severe pain. In your own anguish over the situation, you might ask God to take this person, even though you would really rather have them stay here on Earth with you.
Now you are not being selfish, but your are more concerned with the other person.
The thing to remember is that you may not know in either of these cases, what the best thing is. God does.
Folks with strong faith just ask for God to do His will. God does not will any of us evil or pain. He sets things up to work, but people can choose to do unwise, even evil things. But, those with faith soon learn that even suffering can be used to do God's will. If you have suffered something, you may find that even years later, something in your life will happen where you will see that your suffering was not in vain.
That is what happens to me all the time.
2007-09-02 23:26:20 · answer #2 · answered by Barry F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not easy to forgive these people, but possible to God that Jesus told us to forgive that is the only way we know Jesus is very forgive us.
These verses may help you!
17 Don't pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you. Focus your thoughts on those things that are considered noble. 18 As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone. 19 Don't take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God's anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.” 20 But,
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.”
Romans 12:17-20 (GW)
2007-09-02 23:50:40 · answer #3 · answered by TrueLife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely it's wrong.
Romans 12:19 -- Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, " VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.
Besides then you're just sinking to their level, and we are to follow Jesus' example. With that said though, we should pray for the rapist/murderer to be caught and brought to justice. God also wants us to be safe and happy.
2007-09-02 23:37:20 · answer #4 · answered by kaz716 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-09-02 23:16:32 · answer #5 · answered by ANGEL HORSE 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋