Source | Freeimages.com
Bless those who Persecute You
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:14
Talk about a challenge! I am to bless those that ill-treat me? Those hostile toward me? Those that abuse or victimize me?
YES absolutely! God has calling us to do what is unusual. We are a peculiar people. Our responses and reaction are not to be that of others. We are to operate at a higher standard in order to reflect the nature of God in all that we do.
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9
When Paul admonishes us not to curse those who have wronged us, he is telling us not to invoke evil against them. What does it mean to invoke evil?
It is to be of a “bad nature.” To be injurious or troublesome in our thinking, acting or feelings toward the person who has wronged us. It is to be wicked or destructive in our response to the person. In other words, it is to release toxins (through venues such as gossip, discord, maliciousness, or strife) that are destructive to the individual.
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” Romans 12:17
This week’s challenge is to repay those who have wronged us with goodness that can range from forgiveness to a smile to something more elaborate. Listen to Holy Spirit for he will endow you with wisdom.
[amazon_link asins=’B00D8S7KJU,B010TTI6AW,B0057JCMCS,B00CKEI7DQ,B01M0R922N’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’oss070-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6702311f-e3ed-11e6-aeec-e99aa66002ae’]
Recent Comments