Why is it important to avoid cursing those who persecute us? Romans 12:14—A Call to Speak Blessing, Not Bitterness “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” The Command in Clear View • The verse is direct, leaving no room for loopholes. • “Bless” is repeated for emphasis; the Spirit-inspired text underscores positive speech twice before even mentioning the prohibition against cursing. • The instruction is not conditional—it applies “to those who persecute you,” even if persecution is ongoing or unfair. Why We Dare Not Curse Our Persecutors 1. God’s explicit will • Obedience honors Him: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Scripture is trustworthy and literal; resisting its plain directive is rebellion. 2. We mirror our Savior • Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them” from the cross (Luke 23:34). • Matthew 5:44 echoes Romans 12:14: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” 3. Blessing safeguards our witness • Unbelievers notice how we respond under pressure. • A gracious tongue showcases the transforming power of the gospel. 4. Cursing contradicts our identity • James 3:9-10 warns that blessing God while cursing people created in His image is hypocrisy. • We are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9): priests pronounce blessings, not curses. 5. God reserves vengeance for Himself • Romans 12:19: “Do not avenge yourselves… ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” • Trusting His justice frees us from bitterness. 6. A path to personal blessing • 1 Peter 3:9: “Do not repay evil with evil… but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” • Choosing blessing positions us to receive God’s favor. 7. Spiritual victory over evil • Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” • Cursing fuels the very darkness we want extinguished; blessing shines light. How Blessing Changes the Battlefield • Softens hearts—Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” • Heaps “burning coals” of conviction—Proverbs 25:21-22, quoted in Romans 12:20. • Disarms spiritual forces—our struggle is not merely with people (Ephesians 6:12). • Builds unity within the church—rumors and curses fracture fellowship; blessings bind it together. Practical Ways to Live This Out • Guard the tongue – Pause before replying; ask, “Will these words bless?” – Replace reactive speech with Scripture—quote Romans 12:14 aloud if needed. • Pray by name for persecutors – Luke 6:28: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” – Ask God to draw them to repentance and faith. • Leave justice in God’s hands – Verbally commit the situation to Him: “Lord, You see and You will repay.” – Refuse to rehearse the offense; each retelling can reopen bitterness. • Speak tangible good – Offer sincere compliments or practical help when possible. – Send an encouraging note or text that points to Christ, not the offense. • Saturate the mind with truth – Memorize Romans 12:14-21. – Meditate on Christ’s example in Isaiah 53:7—silent before His accusers, yet victorious. The Bottom Line Cursing those who persecute us undermines God’s purposes, stains our witness, and invites personal spiritual decay. Blessing, on the other hand, aligns us with Christ, trusts God’s perfect justice, and turns conflict into fertile ground for the gospel. |
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