Bless Those Who Persecute You

My intention today was to preach from Romans 12:14-16. But while studying this week, I recognized that the command in Romans 12:14 deserves isolated attention. Although this is only one of the 29 imperatives that form an “Ethical Description of the Christian Life,” it powerfully demonstrates the transformation of Romans 12:2 in the life of the Believer.

(Romans 12:14) "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."

Blessing your persecutors distinguishes true believers from non-believers. Christian Character is proven when we respond to pressure and persecution in a manner that demonstrates Christ’s presence in us. Jesus emphasized this teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Notice the different emphasis in Matthew’s account and the account in Luke’s gospel. Both demonstrated that followers of Christ will go beyond the normal graces that are demonstrated in human relationships. Christians will do more than just love those who love them first, or treat kindly those who treat them with kindness. Christian love is demonstrated in loving even those who mistreat you.

There will always be those who persecute you
There will always be those who oppose you
There will always be those who make your life difficult.
Love them. Pray for them. Bless them.
It demonstrates Christ’s presence in you.