Examining Scripture:
“Bless them which persecute you:
bless, and curse not,
Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
and weep with them that weep.”
Romans 12:14-15
Evaluating Soil:
How beautiful if would be to live in a world full of blessings without the burdens. It would be wonderful to never experience persecution or have a reason to weep. That sounds awesome, but we know it isn’t reality. Scripture teaches us that persecution, rejoicing, and weeping are each a part of this life. The question is, “How do we handle them?”
In our quest to live holy and obey God’s instructions, let’s look at Romans 12:14-15 and consider the Greek definitions for the key words from the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Bless – Greek #2127 – eulogeō…to speak well of, that is, (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper): –
Persecute – Greek #1377 – diōkō
A prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb δίω diō (to flee…); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication to persecute: –
Curse – Greek #2672 – kataraomai
to execrate; by analogy to doom: –
Rejoice – Greek #5463 – chairō
A primary verb; to be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off; impersonal especially as a salutation (on meeting or parting), be well: –
Weep – Greek #2799 – klaiō
Of uncertain affinity; to sob, that is, wail aloud (whereas G1145 is rather to cry silently): –
From these definitions we see that blessing is the opposite of cursing and rejoicing is different from weeping. We also don’t have to face them alone.
Experiencing Seasons:
In the last few years, while trying to understand my emotions and manage them better, I’ve learned that I’m very sensitive, stress easy, and feel other’s pains and problems as personally as my own. I’m happy when others are happy, sad when others are sad, stress when others stress, and hurt when others hurt.
Because of the effect my sensitivities have on me physically and mentally, I’m having to learn to set boundaries to handle struggles (whether mine or someone else’s) in different ways. I’m glad God doesn’t require us to bear more than we are capable of bearing. It’s okay to guard our hearts while helping others.
Embracing Solace:
When I handle my emotions and reactions God’s way, I’m calmer, less sensitive, recover quicker, and see things clearer.
Enjoying Simplicity:
God’s way is simple. Don’t speak poorly to or about our persecutors, be happy for those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying.
Employing Solutions:
It’s difficult to bless people who seek to cause harm. According to the Websters 1828 Dictionary, persecutors pursue others to:
- Injure
- Vex or afflict
- Harass with unjust punishment or penalties for supposed offenses
- Inflict pain from hatred or malignity
- Afflict, harass, or destroy for adherence to a particular creed or system of religious principles or to a mode of worship
These are tough things to endure. However, dealing with our persecutors, in holy ways, gives us freedom from their grasp and can keep battles from progressing.
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies,
bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you;”
Matthew 5:44
Peace replaces pressures and problems when we love our persecutors through God’s eyes. It’s hard to persecute someone who is blessing you, or who rejoices and weeps with you.
Bring It Home
Are you in a season of blessing, rejoicing or weeping? My heart is with you?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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