What did Jesus mean by blessing those who curse? Definition and Context When Jesus taught, “Bless those who curse you,” He spoke a radical directive that appears in Luke 6:28: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” The instruction also appears in Matthew 5:44 in similar language. These verses lie in the broader context of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain (Luke) and Sermon on the Mount (Matthew). In both sermons, Jesus addresses the attitudes and actions of those who want to live according to God’s righteousness, providing a new standard for interpersonal conduct among His followers. Jesus’ words emphasize an unexpected and startling approach: instead of returning a curse for a curse, one should respond with blessing—an outward and inward demonstration of good will, love, and kindness toward the offender. This command defies normal human tendencies, indicating it is intimately connected with God’s transformative work in a believer’s heart. Biblical Usage of “Bless” and “Curse” 1. Bless: In the Greek of the New Testament, the term often translated as “bless” is eulogeō (εὐλογέω). It can mean “to speak well of,” “to praise,” or “to invoke God’s favor upon.” In a biblical sense, to bless someone includes expressing goodwill, praying for their benefit, and desiring God’s gracious activity in their life. 2. Curse: In contrast, a “curse” typically involves using words or intentions for harm, wishing evil upon someone, or speaking injuriously against an individual. Biblically, the idea of cursing is tied to actions or words that call down negativity or judgment, often motivated by anger, hatred, or spite. The Old Testament warns against cursing one’s neighbor (Leviticus 19:14), and the New Testament reiterates that believers should shun hatred and malice (1 John 3:15). When Jesus instructs His followers to bless, He calls them to adopt a posture of genuine love, even in the face of overt hostility—effectively overturning societal norms that might justify retaliation or hatred. Old Testament Foundations Although Jesus’ statements are more explicit in the Gospels, the principle of responding to enemies with mercy is not new to the New Testament. Proverbs 25:21–22 (cf. Romans 12:20) encourages feeding one’s enemy and giving him drink; it is a way of living in alignment with God’s character, reflecting His compassion. By quoting and expanding on such Old Testament wisdom, Jesus shows the continuity of God’s ethical demands, while at the same time intensifying them under the new covenant. Practical and Theological Implications 1. Evidence of God’s Transforming Work Responding to cursing with blessing is a hallmark of someone who has experienced God’s transformative grace. It demonstrates a break from the normal human inclination to retaliate. As 1 Peter 3:9 states, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.” This attitude testifies to an inward renewal that only God’s Spirit can accomplish. 2. Sign of Radical Love Jesus’ proclamation that His followers should love their enemies (Luke 6:27) lies at the heart of this teaching. Blessing in the face of cursing is the practical demonstration of enemy-love. When a believer chooses to do good to a person who has done them wrong, or to speak kindly of one who is speaking harmfully, it powerfully displays Christ’s example in action. This is closely tied to Jesus laying down His life for humanity while they were still “enemies” because of sin (Romans 5:10). 3. Conformity to the Image of Christ Blessing instead of cursing aligns believers with the nature of Jesus Himself. Throughout the Gospels, He shows forgiveness and compassion to His opponents (e.g., Luke 23:34). For believers aiming to be conformed to Christ’s image, following His example is paramount. Such a posture not only benefits one’s relationship with God but also can open doors for reconciliation in human relationships. 4. Witness to Unbelievers A willingness to respond with kindness in the face of hostility captures attention in a skeptical world. Historical writings and anecdotes often describe early Christians as those who displayed love and care for enemies during times of persecution (cf. Tertullian, Apology 39). This powerful example helped validate the transformative message of the gospel in hostile cultural environments. Connection to God’s Character God is portrayed in Scripture as slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love (Psalm 103:8). His kindness is meant to lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4). When Jesus exhorts His followers to bless those who curse, He is urging them to reflect God’s redemptive character. In blessing, believers function as channels of divine love, opening the possibility that those who curse may be moved toward repentance and faith. Practical Steps to Bless Those Who Curse 1. Prayer Jesus specifically includes prayer: “Pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28). Prayer softens the heart of the one who offers it, allowing God’s Spirit to reinforce compassion within. It shapes the believer’s perspective, reminding them that their adversaries are people in need of divine grace. 2. Forgiveness Choosing to forgive prevents bitterness from taking root. As a deliberate act of the will (often requiring repeated commitment), forgiveness paves the way for blessing. When believers forgive, they make room for God’s healing power to work in their own hearts and possibly in the hearts of those who have done wrong. 3. Practical Acts of Kindness Offering kindness in tangible ways—through generous words, meeting practical needs, or providing help—illustrates the heart behind Jesus’ command. Such acts can defuse anger and exemplify a love that transcends personal grievances. 4. Guarding Speech The Epistle of James (Jam. 3:9–10) warns of the power of speech. To truly bless others, believers must guard against harmful language, sarcasm, ridicule, or revenge-driven words. A conscious effort to “speak well” can gradually transform negative attitudes into gracious ones. 5. Seeking Wisdom and Discernment While blessing those who curse does not mean enabling harmful behavior, Scripture encourages the pursuit of discernment. At times, setting healthy boundaries is necessary to prevent further harm, yet it can still be done in a spirit of love and prayerful concern. Historical and Cultural Observations 1. Early Church Perseverance Early Christian communities often faced severe persecution. Historical documents (such as accounts by Tacitus and Pliny the Younger) describe believers undergoing trials and punishments, yet responding with resilience and kindness. These recorded behaviors give outside corroboration to the biblical principle of blessing rather than cursing. 2. Archaeological Evidence of Christian Communities In ancient sites around the Mediterranean, inscriptions sometimes indicate how believers cared for the poor and the persecuted, including those outside their faith. This social compassion owed much to Jesus’ teaching to love enemies and bless those who curse. Such archaeological records highlight the practicality of this command in the everyday lives of first-century congregations. Relevance and Conclusion Jesus’ command to “bless those who curse you” challenges core human reactions. Instead of reciprocating harm or hatred, believers are called to demonstrate the same gracious love that God pours out on humanity. In an environment where hostility can easily escalate, the command reorients an individual toward God’s compassion and Christ’s sacrificial example. This teaching remains highly relevant in every culture and century. It is neither passive nor weak; rather, it is powerful evidence of a life transformed by divine grace. By praying for enemies, speaking kindly, and genuinely desiring their good, believers fulfill the higher standard established by Jesus: the manifestation of God’s love in a broken world. As Romans 12:14 succinctly states, “Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.” Through these instructions, Scripture invites every follower of Christ to embrace a life of peace, reconciliation, and exemplary service to the God who redeems. |
    |