Bless those who Persecute You
July 13, 2011Romans 13:14 Bless Those Who Persecute You, Bless and Curse Not.
To be sure, I looked up the word “bless” in the Second Edition of Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. The root of the word is “blood” and signifies something holy, set apart or consecrated for God. It goes on in the lesser meanings to declare “to make happy” or “wish happiness to”. I think, here in Romans 13:14, Paul means the first definition.
In recovery, we are taught to pray for those against whom we carry resentment and to pray a blessing. That was a difficult task for me in my early recovery years. In later years, we joked among ourselves with the phrase “Don’t make me bless you!” because of Romans 13:14.
To be persecuted in this instance, I am sure, is in reference to our Christianity. We are to bless, call upon the blood of Jesus to cover that person, those who attack us because we are Christians. This is another place I would like our Pastor to give us a teaching. Jesus never cursed anyone, even demons if I recall correctly. He honestly described the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, but never cursed them.
When I listen to the atheists denigrate Christianity, it upsets and angers me. I try and pray for them, but not wholeheartedly. This is an area where I need clarification and some work on my self. Are we to plead the blood and pray that they be set apart as holy to God? If so, I have a lot to “practice” and learn. But if that is the case, that is really cool…like “pouring burning coals on their heads” (Ro. 12:20), only these “coals” could convict to righteousness. Hmmm..
juliesramblings 
Yes, I believe we are supposed to pray for them, but in our frustration doesn’t the burning coals sound better. Ok, I repent!
This is how I view my Atheist acquaintances (and I say acquaintances because they do, indeed denigrate my beliefs when I do not disrespect them or their beliefs. They are not being friends.)…if they can so diligently defend (to the death) their belief in the nonexistance of the Creator or God; then doesn’t it reason that when God sets them apart that diligence will be used for the Gospel. Anyway that is the reasoning I use when I pray for them, frustrated or not!
Good piece, as always.
God wants everybody to come to the knowledge of Christ. Yes pray for them.