CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Friday, July 29th, 2016
2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28
Romans 12:1-21
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 20:8-10
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. – Rom 12:14
Be ready to bless people at all times! Scripture gives us unusual instructions for dealing with people who persecute us:
1) Bless Them
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. – Rom 12:14
To “persecute” means to harass, trouble, or drive away (Strong’s G1377). Paul tells us that when someone makes us want to run the other direction, we shouldn’t; we should stand still, and bless them instead. When someone elbows you in the subway, do you bless them? When someone says something rude, do you bless them?
2) Pray for them.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you… – Matt 5:44
The mark of a true Christian is one who will love those who deserve it least, bless those who curse in return, and pray for persecutors. When your boss treats you unfairly, do you pray for her? When a guest overstays his welcome, do you love him all the more?
None of this is possible without the Holy Spirit’s help. God is good at loving people; and the Holy Spirit will love people through you! Ask God to strengthen you to see people as He sees them, love people like He loves them, and serve people as Jesus served all mankind!
Prayer:
Father, strengthen me to love other people well. Remind me to bless people who persecute me, and to pray for them without ceasing. I know I will find blessing in their blessedness!
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-210-valuing-his-word/
See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-210-total-makeover/
© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.