God’s Word often contradicts what we desire and are tempted to do, in our flesh when we are attacked or offended. 

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”  (Romans 12:14, NIV)

God’s Word often contradicts what we desire and are tempted to do, in our flesh when we are attacked or offended.  We get hurt, our guard goes up and we want to go on the attack, retaliate in anger or worse, self-righteous indignation.

I confess that I have struggled with this over the years. Even this morning, I felt betrayed and abandoned by a close friend in a time of need.  My worldly man desired to strike back and express my hurt and anger. I had to immediately check myself and remember Jesus.  My mind posed the question, “What would Jesus do?”  Suddenly, I saw the image of Christ on the cross crying out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  When most men would have cried out in anger and spoken a curse over those responsible for their pain and suffering, Jesus prayed for His tormentors. He asked for forgiveness on their behalf, not eternal damnation and torment, but loving and compassionate forgive-ness. I was convicted by this image and humbled by Jesus’ grace and mercy.

 

As a Man of God, I’m drawn to Jesus strength of character, His depth of unconditional love and compassion, patient acceptance of others, willing forgiveness, and resolve to obey God’s will at all times.  As I reflected on my friend’s actions, I had to repent of my selfish thoughts and confess the blood of Jesus over my situation.  I prayed for my friend.  I forced myself to take Paul’s advice and copy Jesus.  I spoke blessings over his life.  As soon as I did this, I felt a huge weight lift from my heart.  I heard a quiet voice say, “Well done son. Now you’re learning to walk like me.”  In that moment, I knew Jesus was truly alive in me, and that it was Him speaking the words of forgiveness. His grace and mercy spoke through me and for me in that moment. Child of God, I pray that the next time

you are offended, hurt, or angry and want to get even, that you remember Jesus and

take Paul’s advice, bless and do not curse!

 

 

Father, thank you for your love and compassion which is hard to even comprehend at times.  Jesus, your grace and mercy serve to remind me and encourage me that love

bears, hopes, endures all things and never fails. Holy Spirit, help me endure every insult and attack and speak blessings not curses. Through the blood of Jesus and in the name

of Jesus I pray, amen.