Proverbs 16:7 (ESV)
⁷ When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

When we live lives that are pleasing to God, it can make life easier. I understand that such is not always the case when the church is under some kind of persecution, especially when that perse-cution comes from ruling powers targeting Christians, as it was in the first few centuries for the people of God. Even under persecution, however, there are many advantages and blessings that go along with being a faithful child of God. Paul recognized this, even though he faced a lot of tribulation in his life for being a Christian. Listen to what he told Timothy.

1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)
⁸ For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

Paul’s reference to “the life that now is” implies that there is much profit in being a Christian right now, not just when we get to heaven. In this country, where there is virtually no physical punish-ment for Christians, it is accurate to say that the pros of being Christians far outweigh any cons there might be. Living a life that is pleasing to God helps us in this present life, economically, physically, and mentally. Think of the money we save by not being involved in the vices of this world. Living a worldly life can get pretty expensive. Physically, being a Christian is healthier than living a sinful life; and, mentally, we have peace and contentment not shared by too many in the world.

Solomon mentions a particular benefit of living a life that is pleasing to God—we can turn our en-emies into friends. I think we would all agree that the fewer enemies we have the better our lives will be. Even Paul said, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).  As Christians it will not be possible to go without ever having enemies, or at least those who do not like us. Some people will despise us just for being Christians and there is nothing we can do about that.

What we can do is live according to the gospel of Christ, and the principles of Christianity will cause many who do not like us to have a change of heart. For example, loving others as we should, will sometimes change hearts. Remember, to love someone is to always act in their best interest. Jesus taught us to do that in His sermon on the mountain top.

Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

Paul wrote something similar to this in the passage where he encouraged us to be at peace with all men. He said, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him drink…” Now that will cause your enemy to be at peace with you, and that is behavior that is pleasing to God. God knows that once your enemy becomes your friend, you have a great chance of making him your brother in Christ.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.