| “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” – Romans 12:14 |
|---|
| RESPONDING DIFFERENTLY to MISTREATMENT Our Christianity affects all of our relationships. It affects our relationship with God. It affects our relationship with other believers. It affects our relationship with the people who are lost. And it affects our relationship with those who viciously attack us, persecuting us. The Apostle Paul teaches here in Romans 12:14 what Jesus had earlier taught when it came to responding to those who were mean and hating and persecuting. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said, “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.” Jesus’ teaching and now Paul’s teaching is in stark contrast to the world around them and what the world says today. Our response to those who hurt us is to hurt them back. As we consider those who oppose and yes persecute, we are to pray for them and desire God’s greatest blessings on them. And you know what the greatest blessing would be? The greatest blessing would be that they would be saved. Take a moment to consider that your opponent, your enemy today is a “SAUL” and tomorrow just might be a “PAUL” With your prayers they could go from being a persecutor of Christ to proclaiming Christ. So, BLESS THOSE WHO PERSECUTE!! And definitely do not stoop to their level of cursing them! The verse to DATE the Word on December 14 (12/14) is Romans 12:14. It says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Continue Strong responding differently, And remember to DATE THE WORD! |