Ask Pastor John Should We Rejoice When God Destroys Our Enemies?
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Sep 8, 2025 The discussion dives into the balance of mercy and vengeance in the face of God's judgment. Listeners explore the emotional complexity of celebrating the downfall of enemies while cultivating compassion. Biblical perspectives highlight the need for Christ-like love amid divine justice. The conversation raises thought-provoking questions about appropriate reactions to adversaries' suffering and the historical views on retribution in faith. It's a nuanced examination of how believers can navigate the tension between joy in justice and empathy.
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Two Biblical Clusters On Enemies
- The Bible contains two clusters: texts that celebrate God's righteous judgment and texts that command loving enemies and forbidding personal rejoicing at their fall.
- John Piper emphasizes both clusters must be held together without collapsing one into unjust personal vindictiveness.
Biblical Examples Of Corporate Rejoicing
- John Piper cites Israel's Exodus song and Revelation scenes as examples of corporate rejoicing over God's defeat of enemies.
- He points to martyrs under the altar crying out for God's judgment, showing heaven's vindication theme in Scripture.
Commands Against Personal Rejoicing
- Scripture also commands personal restraint: do not rejoice when your enemy falls and love those who hate you.
- Piper highlights Proverbs, Job, Jesus, and Pauline texts that require compassion and forbidding vengeful delight.
