Bless Those Who Persecute You

Have you tried this?

Really, really tried it?

I have to admit I had not.  

I could forgive.

I could pray for my loved ones.

But could I ask the Lord to bless someone who meant to harm us?

Who did hurt us.

I was challenged this Sunday at church by our pastor's sermon.

It was based on Romans 12.  He covered much more than this.

But it was Romans 12:14 that hit me.

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them."

I knew there was an area in my life where I hadn't done this.

I honestly told God it was going to be hard.  But I'd do it.

Because He has asked us to.

So I did and I have been when it comes to my mind.

And you know something happened.

I discovered there's a freedom.

I was released,

and I was blessed.

The things that made me anxious

made me mad,

still tortured my mind.

They didn't hold the same power.

Really maybe this is something you already have experienced and already knew.  I know this might be old news.

But it was hugely inspiring to me.  Practicing it, doing it, really meaning it.  It is helping me.  I am being blessed.  God has a reason why he asks us to do this.  I didn't expect to feel the difference so quickly or so profoundly.

I should clarify that by asking for blessing, the Lord doesn't mean to have the person blessed while they keep on sinning, but that they'd be blessed by being drawn closer to Him and made more aware of their sin.  To the point where they're convicted and changed.  It's not asking for blessing while continuing to sin, but blessing by having their eyes opened.  

To know the truth that God loves them no matter what they've done and wants them to turn from their sinful ways and turn to Him.

 

I had such an unconscious block towards this it hadn't even been on my radar to do.  If there's something someone did to you where you realize you're still hurt, angry, anxious, bothered, give it a try.  

There are more blessings than you realize that will come out of blessing others, even those you find difficult to bless.

Because of His Love

Because of His love
I feel a power not my own
strength 

and resolve 

I wouldn't have known
His spirit convicts me
and whispers
You are enough
You are beautiful
Believe
Oh wonderful Savior
 You love and adore
and call to all
to know the truth and more
To feel the way
You give peace
and joy
patience
and comfort
Because of His love
I am changed
  and am called to love 
called to forgive
the way he would
to have a mind like His
to flee from lies
to give
to receive
to hurt
to heal
to grow
to overflow
to weep
to dance
to believe
Because of His love
I am His child
His daughter
He is jealous for me
and intercedes
on my behalf
He fights for me
and died for me
and for this reason
I will fight for Him
and fight for the life
He meant for us to have
I am just one
but I am enough
to share the truth
my faith
to share His love
that is more than enough
to overcome
to restore
to believe again
in the Creator
who is calling to you
Because of His love

I've been listening to lots of beautiful music lately.  So much of it ministers to my soul.  I just felt super moved to sit down and write and this is what flowed out.  Perhaps it'll minister to someone else.

Also.. here are some songs/videos that have me feeling really inspired, convicted and encouraged to do the hard work we're called to do.

Forgiveness

I have been struck in the past year about how important true forgiveness is in keeping the peaceful life Jesus intended for us. We're all sinners. Jesus is the only perfect being to ever live on earth.

From the smallest things like someone cutting you off on the freeway to the biggest things like someone stealing from you or betraying you. We are called to forgive because we are forgiven.

It's easy to know this, sometimes harder to put into practice. But when we do and we trust that the Lord not only will handle things, but will turn them into good there is something freeing in that. And a peacefulness grows. In that a closer relationship to Christ blossoms and faith is strengthened.

It's the little steps each day. It's the decisions in the moment that create a life of obedience. This obedience leads us closer to Christ and to being more like him every day.

So much strife comes from holding onto anger. It's sheer poison for relationships and for ourselves.

Teaching my children to say they're sorry and to seek forgiveness is an almost daily occurrence in our home. They play so well together and then they fight so well too.

But each time I see them follow through and say "I'm sorry" and I hear "I forgive you" my heart melts. When it's heartfelt I know they're getting it and they're practicing this very important principle. To let go because He has let go of all of our transgressions.

In many ways they're better at letting go and moving on than we are as adults. They know they need each other and they're invested in each other's lives. I hope these moments will help create a foundation for seeking forgiveness and granting it as they grow into adults.

Most importantly I hope they hold onto the enormity of the forgiveness they've received through the cross.