JAN 31

Romans 12:14
Memorise Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves…”

HOW TO DEAL WITH PERSECUTIONS?

The most important person in our lives is ‘I’. The world also emphasises this, it’s about individual rights. My rights, what I deserve, what is owed to me. Therefore the temptation when someone wrongs you is to retaliate. It is instinctive and automatic. Your carnal old man’s cry is that I must punish the wrong that has been done to me. I must get back what I have lost. I must express my anger so that I will not be taken advantage of again. Someone has to suffer and feel pain as I have. This is only fair and right!

Is this how Christians ought to react? Understand that retaliation is a sin. God’s Word exhorts us to do the very opposite of what we would like to do, but to bless them and curse not. A curse can take 2 forms - it can be invoking a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on that person, or expressing one’s anger by uttering offensive words. However, not cursing is still insufficient. As Christians we must go further and bless our enemies! Bless those who persecute you – someone who harasses and wrongs you not just once, but persistently. This is indeed difficult and note bless is repeated in this verse for emphasis.

Note that this is to be our response to those who persecute you, which is different from someone who is persecuting God. If it is just insults against us personally, then we respond with kindness and forgiveness. However if it is an insult against God, then we must take action, for the name of God is at stake!

So the next time someone persecutes you for the faith, remember that we cannot control what people do to us, but we can control how we react. We are accountable and responsible to God for this. It is God’s will for you not to be tempted to sin but instead return kindness for evil. This is what sets you apart from unbelievers and is part of living a reformed and sanctified life. Take heart, remember that as a child of God, He will ensure justice is done, in His time and in His way.

Thought: Consider what Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20-21.
Prayer: Lord, let me not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. May I feed my enemy if he hungers, give him drink if he thirst for in doing so heap coals over his head. (Romans 12:20-21)