²⁰ He [my companion] has put out his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has ^[d]broken his covenant [of friendship and loyalty]. ²¹ The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But his heart was hostile; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. [AMP]

Quite often in life we may experience unprovoked hostility from people passing through our sphere of influence. Our initial response to the conflict is usually one of shock and confusion as we struggle to make sense of what is driving these people’s strange reaction, which is contrary to our perception of them.

I say unprovoked, because verse 12 mentions that the conflict does not come from people we expect:

¹² For it is not an enemy who taunts me—Then I could bear it;
Nor is it one who has hated me who insolently exalts himself against me—
Then I could hide from him.

Through life’s experiences, every individual has developed certain ways to deal with these situations and without God in their lives, these coping mechanisms are usually formulated as either a fight or flight syndrome. Super sophisticated…

Verse 13 and 14 mentions four groups of people who can treat us in this manner:

¹³ But it is you, a man my equal and my counsel, My companion and my familiar friend; ¹⁴ We who had sweet ^[b]fellowship together, Who walked to the house of God in company.

Firstly, our equals or perhaps peers. Think along the lines of fellow students or work colleagues.

Secondly it mentions those in superior or leadership roles in relation to us; those we look up to or seek counsel.

Thirdly the Scripture mentions our companions or close friends and lastly our fellow Christian believers.

Without having done anything to these individuals to warrant a confrontation, why does this happen to Christians? Well, quite simply because, after The Fall, we are all imperfect people living together in an imperfect world. Even if you accept Christ as your redeemer and saviour, you still need to grow as a Christian. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us to bring us to maturity. This can take years to achieve. That is why we often get disappointed with fellow Christians; everybody is still growing.

Does that mean, Christians can just go around deliberately hurting each other in business deals or other relationships using the excuse that they are still but work-in-progress? Of course not. Once we’ve been redeemed, our spirits have been resuscitated and we have received truth in our souls. The Bible is clear, do not use your faith as an excuse to sin.

Our response to an unprovoked assault should not be to retaliate in anger. It is not an eye for an eye or survival of the fittest. The Lord Jesus taught this in Matthew 5: 38-40:

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [punishment that fits the offense].’ ³⁹ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever ^[k]slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise]. ⁴⁰ If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, ^[l]let him have your coat also [for the Lord repays the offender]. ⁴¹ And whoever ^[m]forces you to go one mile, go with him two.⁴² Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. [AMP]

How rare this is in today’s world. Remember, God has placed us in certain positions to mirror Him to the individuals around us. We’ll need to consistently respond righteously and leave the rest up to God. For if you don’t step up in the moment, God will appoint someone who will. His purposes will prevail in spite of you. Rather say: ‘Lord, see my predicament, see this unfair treatment. Please be the judge between them and me. You have the last say’.

²² Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).

¹⁶ As for me, I shall call upon God, And the Lord will save me. ¹⁷ Evening and morning and at noon I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice.

Note that verse 17 mentions that we need to speak to the Lord at least three times per day. If you do this, you will form part of one per cent of all Christians worldwide.

The result of God hearing your voice is revealed in verse 18:

¹⁸ He has redeemed my life in peace from the battle that was against me,

The key word here is ‘peace’. Peace in our hearts and minds – God’s peace. His peace is the only remedy to sustain us in this troubled life.

God bless you.