Three Key Responses!

In the twelfth chapter of Romans -- as Paul addressed what has been referred to as the marks of a true Christian -- among the exhortations he included is. . .

"BLESS those who persecute you; BLESS and DO NOT CURSE THEM." ( Romans 12:14 ESV)

I think most of us would agree that such is easier said than done. What seems to be the natural inclination is to curse back or retaliate in some other way. However, Paul went on to point out that vengeance is God's department, not ours. ( Romans 12:19) When we genuinely seek TO BLESS, we are less likely to curse! Paul's final exhortation in this chapter was to "not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." ( Romans 12:21 ESV) To BLESS rather than curse is to overcome with good.

Though it may be challenging, this concept was not merely Paul's idea. In fact, the quotation regarding vengeance belonging to God was drawn from the Old Testament. ( Deuteronomy 32:35) Besides that, Jesus Himself taught the concept similarly in His sermon on the mount.

Jesus emphatically declared. . .
"(44) But I say to you, LOVE your enemies and PRAY for those who persecute you, (45) so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." ( Matthew 5:44-45 ESV)

Here Jesus exhorted toward two actions on our part: LOVE them and PRAY FOR them. Again, when these actions are genuine on our part we will be less likely to curse them. However, besides these two actions, Jesus noted our Heavenly Father's willingness to BLESS even "the evil" and "the unjust" in that they receive the blessings of His sun and His rains. Now, we might say, "They don't deserve to be blessed." However, when it comes down to it, how much do we really deserve the blessings of God? His blessings are a sign of His graciousness. Aiming to be like God, we also are expected to be gracious. Therefore, though it may feel unnatural (because of the flesh) let us BLESS, LOVE, and PRAY for those who stand against us, for in so doing we are allowing the image of God to become more evident in our life.

To return evil for evil is to allow others to determine our actions. Do we want our lives to fall under such a power? Instead, to return good for evil is to allow God's Spirit to work powerfully in our life and determine our responses. Let us leave the weightier stuff to God. It is a much lighter load to bear when we respond by BLESSING, LOVING, and PRAYING. May such become more and more the genuine response regardless of what is deserved. Thank God we ourselves have received such a blessing from Him.

Have a great day OVERCOMING WITH GODLY CHARACTER!
Carl

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