Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
There isn’t evidence of the persecution of Christians in Rome at the time of Paul’s letter to the Roman church (though Jewish believers had just returned to Rome after being expelled).* The reason for this reference, scholars believe, draws more for a need for Christians to be ready for persecution, from Paul’s own experience with persecution, and from the words and example of Christ.*
What about our context? Do we ever face the challenge of blessing someone who persecutes us? Do we ever hold the opportunity to choose between blessing and cursing those who persecute us? In my life, I have had difficult bosses, unkind strangers, betraying friends, etc. But, have I ever been persecuted?
This is a profound question. Do we see persecution in a land that makes room for all beliefs, so long as they do not collide? We live in a comfortable space that allows us to be very Christian so long as our beliefs do not conflict with others. We can avoid persecution simply by holding our faith quietly.
Not many others in this world have this opportunity. We may not have the opportunity to hide from persecution forever. The time for boldness and the waning appetite of our culture for bold Christianity may come to an end.
But, whatever the case, and whatever your context, the call is the same: bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
This was a rare perspective in the time of Paul as the Roman law centered on “eye for an eye.”* It’s a rare perspective today too. Words fly back and forth over social media like hand grenades. Silent treatment and a lack of generosity and charity serve as weapons of revenge. Rumors and gossip make effective daggers in today’s world.
While persecution may not come to your door tomorrow, offense may. Regardless if whether you experience persecution or simply a mean person, Christ calls us to respond with blessing.
The call of Christ that Paul reiterates in this verse is not an invitation to avoid retaliation.* It’s not even a call to forgiveness.* Jesus calls each of us to a deeper place: we should actively seek the good of those who persecute us by blessing them.*
Herein lies the revolutionary nature of kingdom living; herein lies one of the most powerful tools for saving the lost.* Blessing those who persecute you is giving good to those who do not deserve it. It’s the same grace that we undeserving sinners received from Christ too. I am so grateful that Jesus blessed me with Himself as I was so very undeserving.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to bless someone who has persecuted you. Perhaps today God wants to help you to see those that you have labeled as “enemy” differently. Maybe today God wants you to remember the high call of Kingdom living. Perhaps today God wants you to receive His empowerment to walk it out. Maybe today is the day to live boldly for Him.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.
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*Kruse, C. G. (2012). Paul’s Letter to the Romans (D. A. Carson, Ed.; p. 480). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Osborne, G. R. (2004). Romans (pp. 334–335). InterVarsity Press.
Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans (pp. 449). W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
Moo, D. J. (2000). Romans (p. 410). Zondervan Publishing House.