Today’s reading:
Romans 12:9-21
“Bless those who persecute you: bless and do not curse.” (v.14)

The natural reaction to anyone who brings discomfort or un-easiness or worse still, persecution to another, is to curse him or her. It is generally uncommon and unlikely that anyone will bless anyone who persecutes him or her. “Persecution” is naturally avoided or resisted by virtually everyone, because it results in pain and untold hardship. It is the action of one or a group against another group, by punishing or oppressing or harassing or unleashing hostility or rejection or killing with hand or instruments (such as a rifle or other physical violence), or trials or attacks or discriminate against, tortured, arrested, etc. The well-known sources of persecution are: circular (worldly) and spiritual (religious). The circular reasons include: racism, political, ethnic, sexual differences, etc. The spiritual sources include: differences in religious beliefs – e.g. Christianity against Islam, Hindu, etc. “Persecution” in Christianity is mandatory and it is a norm for a true believer according to the scripture. In 2 Tim. 3:12, it is written that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution; also 2 Tim. 2:3; Matt. 5:10-11; Matt. 10:22; and Matt 24:9 point to the fact of persecution of believers while on earth. There are many examples of people who were persecuted both in the Old and New Testament times. Very early after creation, we read of Cain’s persecution of his brother Abel (Gen. 41:1-10); of Joseph by his ten other brothers (Gen. 37); Daniel in Babylon in the lion’s den (Dan. 6:1-27); Israel as a nation in Egypt for 430 years; many of the Old Testament prophets, especially Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, were badly persecuted while fulfilling their purposes on earth.
In the early New Testament days, Jesus suffered lots of persecution from his people – Jews, and from the hands of the Roman leaders of the time. He was quick, at the early stage of his ministry to warn his disciples and followers of sure (unavoidable) persecution. It was no wonder then that the Apostles and the early church at large, suffered persecution as predicted. A good example was Paul, who no doubt, partly got the reward of his persecution of the early church, but suffered such great persecution beyond what he sowed. Early on, Stephen was not only stoned but died at the hands of persecutors of the New Testament church (Acts 6:8-15). The body of Christ today, an extension of the New Testament church, is presently suffering a lot of persecution, as predicted by Christ and even in the revelation given to Apostle John (Rev. 2:10). Believers living in many nations of the world, both in the Western and Arab worlds, are currently under great persecution. Underground churches are the norm in China, Russia, and North Korea. In the bid to Islamize the world, the Muslims are pushing hard at all nations, using persecution as a weapon. It is instructive to mention some of the common causes of persecution which include: jealousy; refusal to do wrong or go against religious or traditional belief; challenge of status quo or constituted authorities; opposition and threats; defiance; standing against or defying odds or evil; bravery even in the face of death; etc. It is also important to mention some of the reactions and attitudes adopted by those persecuted, especially for Christ’s sake.
These include: resilience; unwavering faith; inspiring faith; steadfastness in faith/belief; fear of God leading to do what is right all the time; shunning bribery; worship and praise; etc. Despite the foregoing, today’s reading in V14 instructs that the persecutors should be blessed and not cursed. To bless in this context means not to retaliate (not give back the evil); to show kindness or grace or even favour; to wish them well and for God to bless them; to commit them to God’s goodness and favour. To curse the persecutors will be the opposite of blessing them, also including not invoking evil or injury against them and not wishing that something bad happens to them. In the natural, these are not easy to comply with. But with the help of God, through the Holy Spirit, these are possible and should be done.
Some of the reasons why we should bless and not curse our persecutors include: the admonition of Apostle James in James 3:8-12 is clear, in that they are made in the similitude of God. Jesus in Matt. 5:10-12 assures us of being blessed and rewarded in heaven; Paul confirms in 2 Tim. 3:11, that God delivers us out of all the persecutions, and that we can be joyful in all our tribulations (2 Cor. 7:4). By enduring and not cursing, the persecutors can be won for Christ and there is always the multiplier effect of expansion of the church, growth of God’s kingdom of light, recruitment for missionary work and findings, deliverance and miracles. If we curse instead of blessing, the opposite of the listed blessings can result. As believers, we are to bless and curse not our persecutors.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father Almighty, we thank you for the opportunity to stand for you during persecution.
Precious Lord, we thank you for showing us the example of how to stand in the face of persecution for your name’s sake.
Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, continue to support us during persecutions.
Father, help the church to bless and not curse its persecutors.
Father, please deliver our nation from persecutors, especially those associated with Islamization.
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