“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not
curse.” (Romans 12:14)
Paul uses the word persecute, which can mean “to oppress or
harass with ill-treatment, especially because of race, religion, gender, sexual
orientation or beliefs.”
It can also mean to persistently annoy or bother; something
that by comparison seems somewhat harmless.
Being persecuted is never an
enjoyable experience; however, let me turn the tables and make the point that we mustn’t persecute those different
than us. We also mustn’t tolerate others being persecuted for their beliefs or
lifestyle. Those of different faiths and lifestyles are not the enemy.
If we are on the receiving end
of the persecution we must learn to pray for those who mistreat us. God will handle those in the wrong. It’s not our place to retaliate. Jesus, being our example, never struck down
those who tortured Him unto death.
The Lord loves those who
persecute just as much as He loves you.
If you doubt that read the account of Saul of Tarsus in Acts. He oversaw the death of many Christians, yet
was called to repentance on the Damascus Road by the Lord Himself. Through prayer and peaceful persistence your
greatest enemy just might become your dearest ally and friend. Until next time, walk with the King and be a
blessing!
