| | Normally, I don't share what God has shown me in my quiet time, but I think in this case it would be helpful and serve those of you trying to reach out to unbelievers you are asking God to save. Today I was continuing on my study through the book of Romans, and read this verse which says this: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. – Romans 12:14 This verse, like the past five verses, serves as preparation for what Paul will instruct the Roman church to apply in verses 17-21. This verse, Romans 12:14, emphasizes the importance of good will, wishing them good instead of harm. For the Christians in Rome, this was a challenge for them to hear due to the persecution they were receiving. And how Paul responds is very astonishing! Instead of telling them, “Yeah, get back at ‘em! No prisoners!” and taking actions to make sure justice is served, Paul commands the Roman Christians to bless those who persecute them, not curse them! This echoes the teachings of Jesus, going even further to pray for those who persecute them (Luke 6:28b), love them and do good to them (Luke 6:27)! Why – they are our neighbor (Matthew 22:39) and the promise of applying the Savior’s teaching (and Paul’s derived from the Savior’s) is that such demonstration of self-sacrificial love will result in a reward in heaven that will be great, as well as being sons of the Most High (Luke 6:35). For me, this word is challenging since I often don’t apply this verse in terms of my relationship with my parents. Far too often I demand justice and recompense when they sin against me, attempt to foil my plans, and most importantly, demonstrate hatred towards genuine believers in Christ. Like James and John, I’m asking Jesus to let fire fall down from heaven and strike them dead because of their hard-heartedness (Luke 9:54)! Part of that is because of being lied to, deceived, talked about behind my back (negatively), and not hearing any apology or asking for forgiveness (and even if they do, the way they communicate it almost sounds like they lack sincerity); such sins provide adequate evidence to demand justice and throw the challenge flag on the football field for the refs to check the play and reverse (for you football nuts!). At the same time, I’m guilty of shoving some truths aside (and if you’re somewhat in the same boat, let’s apply God’s word in each of our lives): 1. My parents’ sins are PRIMARILY against God (Psalm 51:4)! Not against me, primarily, but against God; therefore, vengeance is God’s and he promises to repay in his perfect timing (Deuteronomy 32:25). 2. The most important truth is that God is merciful (Luke 6:36), his mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13), patient with them (2 Peter 3:9), and passionately desires for them to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). More than that, God has been merciful and patient to me, the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15-16)! 3. God commands me to forgive them whenever they sin against me, as God in Christ has joyfully and freely forgiven me (Ephesians 4:32). 4. No matter what they do to me, God is allowing them to sin for my good, for the purpose of increasing my everlasting joy and satisfaction in God alone, and all for his glory alone (Romans 8:28)! For those of you who want to apply this word, let me make one clear disclaimer: I won’t arrive to that point perfectly in this life. We’ll screw up time and time again. But the good news is that no matter what, God will always provide grace to apply these truths, and will accomplish his purposes in spite of our sins, and I’m absolutely convinced this will be for our good and joy in what God has done for us in Christ, and all for his glory! |
