It’s all about attitude.
Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Isaac Newton’s third law of motion says for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This fundamental law of physics cannot be denied. The same law applies in emotional situations in the natural, unregenerate person. But God wants a different reaction. You have received a positive imperative…to bless. The supreme example of this is Jesus Himself who prayed for his persecutors. The church’s first martyr, Stephen, followed Jesus’ example (Acts 7:60).
There is also a new negative imperative— “do not curse them.” This doesn’t mean just don’t swear at them (although it could include that) but it is a warning against tit-for-tat vindictiveness. Jesus warned against such an attitude (Luke 9:51-56).
It’s all about attitude…having a new mindset. The outgrowth of this new reaction is harmony rather than dissonance. And isn’t that what America needs today?
Pray With Us
Heavenly Father, like so many of Your imperatives, a real paradigm shift is required of me sometimes. You know my tendency to get riled up at newscasts, to utter under my breath unkind statements made against those with whom I disagree. Help me to remember that You are a God Who is no respecter of persons, so that I might have the same mind as that of Jesus and treat others without partiality. It is my desire to keep in step with Jesus’ teachings. Guide my path by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You in Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
