Championing the defenseless (March 21)

Don't rob a poor man because he is poor, and don't crush the oppressed at the gate, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.  (Proverbs 22:22-23 HCSB)

The expression “don't kick a man when he’s down” was invented because human nature has a cruel streak that enjoys the oppression of others. We see it in politics and in the corporate world. It’s like wolves that strike the weakest of the herd. It could be vengeance or a lust for power, but attacking someone who is already at a disadvantage is unethical even by worldly standards. In the spiritual world, it’s a very dangerous thing to do.  God promises to fight on the side of the victims. And not only that, He promises to strip away all that their oppressors have taken and give them the bitter taste of their own medicine. God is a God of love, but also of justice.

Deuteronomy 10 says, “He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.” God loves to defend the defenseless, to fight for them — which means that if you're attacking one of God’s children, you now have God against you. And if God’s against you, you have nowhere to hide. It’s better to repent and salvage what you can out of the mess you're in than to watch as all you love, and have, get taken away from you.

For those who find themselves being treated unfairly, accused without even a chance to explain, be encouraged by this promise. Claim this promise and remember that God is above the judge and lawyers on your case, God is above your accusers, above you and above your situation. The worst thing you could do is to attack back out of your flesh, with harsh words, arguments or manipulation. That makes you just as unfair and unpleasing to God as those who had attacked you in the first place. Though it feels as if you’re doing nothing, allow God to work.  Be wise; nullify any anger or resentment with love and forgiveness. That doesn't mean you condone the injustice, in means that you have the wisdom to fight against evil in harmony with the Spirit of God.  

When we pray with a fiery faith against the demons behind our injustice, while also loving the people who are hurting us, just like Jesus taught, we release God’s power to rescue us from that situation. It’s not our business to see to it that those we dislike get their comeuppance – their lives and futures are God’s business. When we stop worrying about what our enemies are up to and focus on loving and pleasing God, we're exercising the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and God’s lovingkindness will come through beyond what we could ever imagine.