Nougat 15

Persecution has many faces. It does not always present as overt actions but can also manifest as micro aggressions. I can’t say which is worse; they’re both horrible. Given the nature and purpose of persecution; there’s likely to be very few people who enjoy being persecuted. Yet, it seems to turn up in believers’ lives. So what do we do? Well the Bible is filled with several nuggets; but we’re focusing on one. Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Well, there we have it; Paul proposes that we simply forgive. That we bless them, and pray for them. Talk about counter-intuitive! When you have done me harm, or when I have intentionally done you wrong; Paul suggests that the believers’ recourse is grace! Erm Much easier said than done.

Before we shake our heads in response to Paul’s crazy thought; remember – we are blessed in the face of persecution (don’t kill me, I am merely the messenger. The original directive came from Jesus in Matthew 5; and He’s been killed and resurrected already). And based on Stephen’s story we realize that Paul speaks from experience. Personal, public, embarrassing experience. He held the cloaks of Stephen’s persecutors. There’s no pretending that he was innocent. In fact, his conversion occurred while on a specific mission to kill believers!

And that’s exactly the point. We might not live to see the proof of our prayer on this side of eternity; but Paul’s conversion offers hope. For God’s grace transformed Saul to Paul is still at work today. Further, we know Paul also spoke as one who’d been persecuted, and subsequently prayed for his abusers – remember the shipwreck moment in Acts 27? He prayed and all were saved!

Now please don’t hear me saying that abuse or persecution is good or tolerable! I would not in any conscience suggest that. I’m still committed to the cause of Justice, particularly Gender Justice. But, I am convinced that we have to pray for persecutors and perpetrators that they are convicted of their sins, and also for God’s mercy on them. (In fact I used to pray that if there’s no repentance then God should punish to the full extent of God’s law!)

We pray for them, for all the persecuted and victimized; that God’s grace will transform all the broken pieces and restore wholeness in Christ.

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May all we seek be found in Christ