What practical steps can you take to bless those who exclude you? A Surprising Blessing in Exclusion “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.” (Luke 6:22) • The Lord declares exclusion for His sake a present blessing, not merely a future reward. • Our calling is not to retreat in hurt but to answer rejection with intentional goodness. Looking to Jesus: Our Model • On the cross Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) • He “did not retaliate when insulted” (1 Peter 2:23). • Following Him means treating excluders as image–bearers in need of grace. Practical Ways to Bless the Excluder 1. Pray good for them • “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28) • Name them before the Father, asking Him to draw them to Christ and meet their real needs. 2. Speak well, not ill • “Bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14) • Refuse gossip, slander, or subtle pay-backs in conversation. 3. Do tangible acts of kindness • “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink.” (Romans 12:20) • Small gestures—a note of encouragement, sharing resources, helping with a task—quietly display Christ’s love. 4. Serve without spotlight • Jesus taught, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:3) • Bless privately; let God handle recognition. 5. Forgive repeatedly • “Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) • Release the offense daily so bitterness cannot take root. 6. Maintain respectful boundaries • “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) • Peace may require healthy distance, yet without harboring resentment. 7. Keep doing good • “Never tire of doing what is good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13) • Perseverance in kindness testifies louder than words. Guarding Your Heart While You Bless • Anchor identity in Christ, not people’s acceptance (Colossians 3:3). • Rehearse God’s promises—He sees, records, and rewards (Hebrews 6:10). • Invite the Spirit to fill you daily; only His power sustains supernatural love (Galatians 5:22-23). Walking Forward in Confidence • Exclusion cannot cancel God’s favor; it often amplifies it (Luke 6:23). • Each intentional blessing sows eternal seed and reflects the gospel’s transforming power. |
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