Persecuted…
As I was reading Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he talked about persecution from others…and his reaction to it…
Thinking back to King David..he was cursed by Shimei…
And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’
1Kgs.2.8
Or Joseph and his brothers…
Or many of the prophets…
Or Jesus…persecuted, flogged, stoned, beaten, and finally put to death…
Jesus’ disciples…followers down through time and still are in various parts of the world…
Paul’s response…
“and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.”
1Cor.4.12-13
Jesus’ response….
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matt.5.10-12,44
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Luke.23.34
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
Never be wise in your own sight.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Rom.12.14-21
There are times, many times…when giving a godly response is hard, almost impossible…living at peace with others who deride, criticize….and only by God’s grace can we do it, letting the fruit of the Spirit reign and work through us…
Thank YOU….
There’s a sweet sweet spirit in this place…
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