Title

Do Not Plunder Nor Destroy

Scripture
Woe to you who plunder, though you have not been plundered; and you who deal treacherously, though they have not dealt treacherously with you!
(Isaiah 33:1)
Devotional
Isaiah is not saying that it is O.K. to plunder and destroy those who have plundered us. However, he is telling us that it is without question with regard to those who are not our enemies. When Israel was at war with the enemies of God, they were often instructed to take the booty and destroy the enemy. The New Covenant calls for winning over the enemy not winning the war over the enemy. Yet we do plunder and destroy those with whom we are not at war. The scriptures are clear; we do not battle against flesh and blood.(1) Nevertheless that is exactly what we do when we defame or take advantage of the goodness of another, we plunder and destroy. We plunder their friendships when we use them for personal gain. We destroy our testimonies when we do not treat others, as we would want them to treat us or as God has dealt with us.

(1) Ephesians 6:12