Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Video Notes:
Luke 6:27-28
This phrase is a new concept for both Jews and Gentiles.
It was countercultural then and it’s becoming more so today.
Blessing and cursing have a focus on God, blessing finding it’s root in the Aaronic blessing, having peace and favor from God, which happens through faith. Cursing is the opposite, that people would be cut off from God and receive God’s wrath.
The Christian is to respond to persecution with the desire that the persecutor be forgiven and saved, enjoying the blessing of salvation through faith in Jesus and the Christian’s desire should be accompanied by actions leading to the same.
This isn’t easy as our normal response is anger and a desire for vengeance. However, when we remember that we, too, were once enemies of God deserving of condemnation and that we are only saved by grace, a gift, it can help us to put things into perspective. Luke 6:31
How can we respond then?
Prayer – God is the one who changes hearts.
Kindness – God shows kindness and patience to lead people to repentance.
Sharing God’s Word, especially the Gospel – Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of Christ.
