Sadly, Romans 12 must end. The final section [vs 14-21] contains some of the most difficult attitudes and actions we are to see blossom in our lives.

Listen to the words that frame this passage: “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them,” and “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” [vs 14, 20 NLT]

How like those words are of Jesus. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  [Matthew 5:43-48]

 To bless means simply to speak well of, to invoke a benediction, to thank, to desire for to prosper. It has often been the lot of Christians down through the centuries to suffer at the hands of persecutors. Sometimes the persecution has meant torture and death. At other times it is words and attitudes. In the words of Christ, in this passage in Romans, and in other places in the New Testament we are taught to bless those who persecute us.

Love and blessing are to be the marks of those who claim to be sons of God. We are to be ready to always show kindness to those who love us, but also to those who hate us. That is what sets us apart.

While we were enemies with God, He gave His Son Jesus for us. While we were cursing Him, He was blessing us. While we were fighting Him, He was loving us. While we were at war with Him, He was overcoming us with good. Now, if we claim Him as Father, we are to do likewise with those who are against us.