Romans
12:14
Sounds
like a “natural” way to respond to persecution doesn't it? No,
not really. Blessing those that persecute us is not the first thing
that comes to mind when we face persecution. Our natural response to
persecution is retaliation. We want to see our persecutors suffer for
the pain inflicted on us. But, Paul says that is not the answer. We
are to bless and not curse them.
Paul
asks us to go against our nature, that nature being our sinful
nature. Some would say you mean it's our human nature. I suppose so,
because as humans we tend to respond in sinful ways to such things as
persecution. Paul calls us to respond differently, he calls us to
respond in a Christ like manner. We are to bless those that persecute
us.
We
as Christians are to respond to persecution like Jesus did. “And
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they
do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.” Luke
23:34 ESV Jesus as He was being crucified asked His Father to forgive
those that were persecuting Him. Even when faced with great
humiliation, pain and death, Jesus chose to bless rather than curse.
That is what we are called to do. Right now you are probably
thinking, well that was Jesus of course that's how He would react.
Humans react differently. Really?
Let's look at Stephen. And
falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do
not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he
fell asleep. Acts 7:16 Stephan, a man cried out to God to forgive
those that were persecuting him. If Stephan when he was being stoned
to death for preaching the gospel could forgive, shouldn't we be able
to bless our persecutors?
Paul said to bless our
persecutors. What greater blessing can we give someone than what
Jesus has given us, forgiveness.
So today, let's pray for our
persecutors and ask for their forgiveness.
© 2012 Leo J. Woodman
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