BLESS THEM WHICH PERSECUTE YOU

The Lord Jesus Christ was the object of persecution, John 5. 16. He told His disciples that they would also be the object of hostility because they were His disciples. The spirit of persecution has not ceased. Those that hate our Lord are everywhere and are quick to identify His followers. In some places of the world Christians face open and government-sanctioned violence. In other places the persecution is less obvious but, nonetheless, just as real.

Today’s command places a great demand on the Christian. It is one of the unique characteristics of the gospel. The life of the believer has within it the power to act completely opposite to the way the natural man would act toward persecutors.

The word bless here is the one from which get our word ‘eulogize’. It means to speak well of or praise. Instead of retaliating, as we have been treated, the Christian responds by praise. It is very easy to talk about doing this, but quite another matter to practice it in life’s circumstances. This can only come about through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Such practice disarms enemies. Persecutors expect us to respond in kind. When no such response is forthcoming it baffles those that oppose. The apostle advised Timothy, ‘And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth’, 2 Tim. 2. 24-25.

This was the way of the Master. He never responded in kind: ‘Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously’, 1 Pet. 2. 23.

Further we are taught that to take vengeance into our own hands is strictly forbidden, as tempting as it may be. ‘Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord’, Rom. 12. 19. We can trust our God to take action in every case against His people and properly execute what it rightfully due. In the meantime, our duty is to bless.