To be able to bless those who persecute is only possible because of the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We need supernatural help to love others in challenging circumstances. Perhaps someone has hurt you, and the Lord is calling you to bless that person. It is nearly impossible without God’s help to embrace what Jesus calls us to do. Matthew 5:44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! [1]
Jesus’ first words from the cross were about forgiveness, Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.[2] Through Jesus’ actions and words on the cross, He invited those harming him to change their hearts and come to Him. This kind of love is so unlike the world that even the most hardened heart can be moved. Two thieves were crucified, with Jesus beginning the day cursing Him, but later one thief repented and turned to Him in faith.
Pray God Would Bless Those Who Persecute You
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. [3] When someone persecutes you, our enemy satan begins a two-prong attack upon us. The first part of the attack hurts us, but the second part is more subtle. When people hurt us, we can fall into the trap of bitterness and create self-inflicted wounds, which can be deeper and more dangerous than being persecuted.
The Lord knows how easily we can fall into the trap of bitterness, so He shows us how to bring healing to being persecuted and prevent bitterness. When we pray for people, we see people needing God’s mercy and grace just like we do. We can pray that the Lord would open their eyes and they would repent and become believers. The Apostle Paul once persecuted believers until the Lord intervened to open his spiritual eyes. Paul moving forward from that time of awakening would become the greatest missionary of the ancient world, proclaiming the good news of Jesus.
Having Compassion for Others
It is easy to have compassion on those who are hurting and repentant, but what if this person is persecuting you? As the Lord changes our hearts, He helps us to love the unlovable and intercede for those persecuting others. No matter what they have done, there is no one beyond the reach of God’s arm. Who knows what God will do and how a person will respond when prayed for?
I have ministered to those in prison and seen many place their faith in Jesus. Only by God’s grace and mercy can we be called to faith, for we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s standard. As the Lord forgives us, He calls on us to forgive and pray for those hurting us, and only God knows how impactful your prayers are.
To learn how to bless those who persecute you, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/believe-live-it
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.