Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Probably one of the most difficult task in life is to obey the above passage. When people hurt us (verbally, emotionally, physically, psychologically), we have somewhat of a natural impulse to defend and to hurt back. Most of the wars we have had in history are based upon the concept of retaliation. When someone does something bad to us, mankind looks for ways for “pay back.” It is in all facets of life, however, not just military wars. Sports teams look for revenge and hold grudges over simply games, for years. Business owners have no trouble trashing their competitor in high sales situations and looking for ways to “get even” for the last contract lost (or, stolen). Marriages certainly fall into this you-did-this-to-me-so-I’m-going-to-do-this-to-you mentality. We can even see it in some of our Bible stories. Most of David’s war escapades were based upon returning pay back thought process. But then came along Jesus. The One person who walked this earth who had a right to get even, did not. Note what Peter says about Him regarding retaliation:
1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV)
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
When Paul writes Romans 12 he is probably recalling all these thoughts in his mind. Remember, as he writes this, Paul is in prison for his faith. He has been persecuted, beaten, maligned and rejected by almost all. He is not writing in some philosophical prose. Paul is writing real time, practical principles for life. His point in Romans 12 is that those who claim to be believers in Christ are to act like Christ when it comes to suffering. We are not just to accept persecution, our response to it is to bless others. We are to not curse them but pronounce blessings on them. Later Paul will add to this but stated it is not just the pronouncement of blessings but the act of blessing them by providing sustenance to someone who lacks water or bread. We are to meet the real, genuine needs those who persecute us. Yes, it might be a natural response to defend ourselves when attacked (no matter the type of attack). But Christianity is not “natural” it is super-natural. We are to bless and not curse.
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