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He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. Proverbs 17:5 NKJV
The German word schadenfreude (which literally means “harm-joy”) refers to the feeling of satisfaction, joy, or pleasure one can feel over the failures, troubles, or humiliations of another person.
Today’s scripture verse warns that God does not approve when His people gloat over another person’s disaster. In fact, it warns that He will punish those who hold this kind of attitude in their heart.
Jesus once told His followers that instead of wishing ill on their enemies or rivals, they should love them and pray for them: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45).
Feeling a sense of joy over someone else’s troubles is both unloving and uncaring. But loving and praying for anyone and everyone you know who is going through difficult times is a demonstration of the kind of love God has shown you.
Prayer: Father in heaven, I confess that I have in the past taken pleasure in the failures and humiliations of other people. Forgive me, Lord. Help me never to feel a sense of satisfaction when an enemy or rival fails. Remind me instead to pray for those who suffer because of trouble or failure.
The German word schadenfreude (which literally means “harm-joy”) refers to the feeling of satisfaction, joy, or pleasure one can feel over the failures, troubles, or humiliations of another person.
Today’s scripture verse warns that God does not approve when His people gloat over another person’s disaster. In fact, it warns that He will punish those who hold this kind of attitude in their heart.
Jesus once told His followers that instead of wishing ill on their enemies or rivals, they should love them and pray for them: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45).
Feeling a sense of joy over someone else’s troubles is both unloving and uncaring. But loving and praying for anyone and everyone you know who is going through difficult times is a demonstration of the kind of love God has shown you.
Prayer: Father in heaven, I confess that I have in the past taken pleasure in the failures and humiliations of other people. Forgive me, Lord. Help me never to feel a sense of satisfaction when an enemy or rival fails. Remind me instead to pray for those who suffer because of trouble or failure.
