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Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Ok folks, I appreciate the supportive and encouraging emails, calls and vists but let’s not go nutz here.  

The word persecute (διώκω, diṓkō;) is a neutral work in the NT.  It can be either good or bad depending on its cause and/or intent.  We have a bad habit of seeing words that are commonly used in a negative sense as utterly negative words.  But, to “persecute,” is not always negative.  It’s a matter of the heart – intent.  We need to be very cautious when we use the term because of its implications.  It carries an implied judgment of the alleged persecutors heart, intent and motives.

Our faith teaches that we are to bless those who persecute us.  But what if they do so for valid reasons?  What if their “persecution” is based in truth?  Then we need to examine our consciences closely and discern whether we have erred or not.  That judgment will determine our response or lack of response.

We are directed and required to “bless” those who, because we are believers, persecute us.

Mat 5:11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  ESV

The key here is “falsely on my account,” NOT “falsely and on my account.”  See the difference?  It is not insignificant and draws a clear boundary for us.  

Now the question is, when we “feel” persecuted are we really being “persecuted?”  That is a very important question.  If we find that we are indeed being “persecuted,” then we must discern why.  If the reason is legitimate then scripture clearly guides us as to how we should respond.  If the reason is not legitimate then the only thing I can say is that we are to remember Paul’s admonition:

Eph 4:26-27 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,  (27)  and give no opportunity to the devil.  ESV

The actual word translated as anger is, I think, better translated “provoked.”  It also carries the idea of exasperation, being enraged and of course anger.  Regardless we are told, “do not sin.”  This clearly dictates our response whether the perceived persecution is valid or not.  But I’ve written on this passage and refer you that missive.

When, however, it is clear that we are being persecuted for our faith in Jesus as the Christ and Redeemer (something that overtly happens in our culture less often than is thought) then our course is very clear.  

Mat 5:44-45  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  (45)  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  ESV

We are to love (ἀγαπάω, agapaō, ag-ap-ah'-o) and pray for those who position themselves to be our enemies and we are to pray for them.

Remember the admonition:

Rom 12:18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  ESV

Whether or not it relates to our faith or not or whether it is based upon truth or not, perceived persecution is painful and the temptation is fight or flight.  We have a responsibility to examine ourselves in light of scripture and perhaps with the guidance of more mature believers in order to determine the truth.  Then we are to let scripture guide our response.

The point is neither the persecution nor the persecutor.  The point is the truth and our consciences.  It’s hard to keep that focus when we are hurt but keep it we must.

We are to live at peace with all.  We are to make our best effort and regardless of their actions ours are to be peaceful.  Some people will not let us live peaceably for whatever reason.  But they are not our responsibility, we are.

You can be persecuted for your faith and then you can be persecuted for your sins.  Sometimes you can be persecuted and it has nothing to do with you.  We need to look at both carefully and prayerfully.  Sometimes, when it feels like persecution it really is – but sometimes it just really FEELS that way.  Feeling persecuted and being persecuted is not the same thing.

But – regardless:

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.