Bless Them Which Perscute You: Bless, and Curse Not . . .
by Kathy on 2001-03-09 06:23:34
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not” (Rom. 12:14) is a familiar passage to most all of us who call ourselves Christians. When we read this verse, it seems an ideal characteristic for the Christian until . . . you have to put it into practice!
One of the greatest challenges I have faced as a Christian and as a pastor is maintaining self-control when a wrong has been done to me. When we hear that someone has gossiped about us behind our backs, took unfair advantage of us, or has used and abused us in any way, our natural instinct is to return to them exactly what has been given to us. Revenge. Sharing harmful or damaging information we have knowledge of concerning that person. Exposing them for who they really are to mutual contacts. Making them hurt in the way they have hurt us. Any of this sound familiar? You may be thinking to yourself, “I would never react this way,” but the truth is, every human, including the best Christian, is tempted to retaliate.
Recently, a situation arose where a friend, someone I felt fairly close to, seemingly tried to undermine my ministry and friendship with some other mutual friends. Things were said that were not true and were hurtful. As I learned of what had happened, I felt like my cat when she gets upset and her fur rises and she arches her body for battle. As I know this person and their weaknesses, my flesh immediately wanted to go to the people that were involved and tell them everything bad I knew about this person. I REALLY wanted to. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit dealt with me and I heard Him saying, “No, no, no,” while my flesh argued and said, “I have the right. I was hurt.” Like my 6-year-old does when I tell him, “No,” I had to sit and pout for a while and realize that God was right and I was wrong. As the old saying goes, “Two wrongs do not make a right.”
As I worked through my feelings, I was reminded that my integrity, faithfulness, and honesty would speak for themselves to those who know me best. If I were to take action against the person who hurt me, I would be no better than he was. I didn’t need to fight the battle. I needed to let God fight the battle. That is His job: “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)
Obviously, there are situations in our lives that need to confronted, but let it be done in God’s way and in His time.
The next time someone hurts you by defaming your name or causing you harm, take it to God. He is the greatest judge and defender of all! You will be at peace and the problem will be taken care of, probably in a manner you would have never dreamed of!
It is my great privilege to write you every Friday. I hope you are receiving help and hope through this column. I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to comment to this article, and I will be happy to respond, or you may contact me directly via e-mail: kredwood65@integrity.com.
May God’s abundant peace be yours today!
Kat
Disclaimer: Kathy Redwood is not a secular, professional counselor. The nature and purpose
of her ministry is discipleship, not professional/secular counseling, and she has not been
trained in medicine or psychology, nor has she been trained in any type of secular counseling.
Kathy Redwood’s emphasis is in the direction of the Word of God, and she trains people to
search the scriptures (the Bible) for answers to life’s problems. Neither Kathy Redwood nor
welovegod.org nor any of its owners, members, or representatives are responsible for, and
cannot be held liable for, any harm, injury, or loss occurring in the lives of participants of this
topic. Kathy Redwood cannot control decisions or events in participants’ lives or what
participants may decide to do in the future.