Overcoming Evil with Good
02/12/2025
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
— Luke 6:28 (NIV)
Jesus’ words in this verse are radical, challenging, and, at times, deeply uncomfortable. When someone wrongs us, our natural reaction is often to defend ourselves, retaliate, or harbor resentment. Yet, Christ calls us to something higher, or a response rooted not in human nature but in divine love.
To “bless” those who curse us means to speak well of them, to wish them good, and to refrain from returning evil for evil. It is not mere politeness; it is an act of supernatural grace. Likewise, praying for those who mistreat us shifts our hearts from bitterness to compassion. When we bring our enemies before God in prayer, we begin to see them through His eyes, broken, in need of redemption, just as we once were.
Praying for those who mistreat us isn’t easy, but it transforms us. It softens our hearts, reminds us of God’s grace in our own lives, and releases the weight of bitterness. When we pray for our enemies, we invite God’s presence into situations where human effort alone cannot bring peace.
Think of someone who has hurt or wronged you. Have you prayed for them? Have you asked God to work in their life? Write their names down and ask God to bless them. Ask God to heal their hearts and bring them closer to Him. This is not about excusing their actions but about releasing your heart from the prison of resentment.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you genuinely bless them, whether in word, action, or silent intercession. A kind word, a silent prayer, or even choosing not to speak negatively about them is a step toward freedom. As you do these things, you will experience the freedom that comes from walking in obedience to Christ.
A heart that chooses to bless and pray isn’t weakness, it’s the strength of Christ working in you. Even in the face of offense, it is a heart that truly reflects the love of Christ. Will you take that step today?
Lord Jesus, Your love is unlike anything this world knows. Teach me to love like You, even when it is difficult. Give me the strength to bless those who have hurt me and the grace to pray for those who mistreat me. Soften my heart, Lord, and let Your love flow through me so that I may be a reflection of Your mercy and kindness. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
— Luke 6:28 (NIV)
Jesus’ words in this verse are radical, challenging, and, at times, deeply uncomfortable. When someone wrongs us, our natural reaction is often to defend ourselves, retaliate, or harbor resentment. Yet, Christ calls us to something higher, or a response rooted not in human nature but in divine love.
To “bless” those who curse us means to speak well of them, to wish them good, and to refrain from returning evil for evil. It is not mere politeness; it is an act of supernatural grace. Likewise, praying for those who mistreat us shifts our hearts from bitterness to compassion. When we bring our enemies before God in prayer, we begin to see them through His eyes, broken, in need of redemption, just as we once were.
Praying for those who mistreat us isn’t easy, but it transforms us. It softens our hearts, reminds us of God’s grace in our own lives, and releases the weight of bitterness. When we pray for our enemies, we invite God’s presence into situations where human effort alone cannot bring peace.
Think of someone who has hurt or wronged you. Have you prayed for them? Have you asked God to work in their life? Write their names down and ask God to bless them. Ask God to heal their hearts and bring them closer to Him. This is not about excusing their actions but about releasing your heart from the prison of resentment.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you genuinely bless them, whether in word, action, or silent intercession. A kind word, a silent prayer, or even choosing not to speak negatively about them is a step toward freedom. As you do these things, you will experience the freedom that comes from walking in obedience to Christ.
A heart that chooses to bless and pray isn’t weakness, it’s the strength of Christ working in you. Even in the face of offense, it is a heart that truly reflects the love of Christ. Will you take that step today?
Lord Jesus, Your love is unlike anything this world knows. Teach me to love like You, even when it is difficult. Give me the strength to bless those who have hurt me and the grace to pray for those who mistreat me. Soften my heart, Lord, and let Your love flow through me so that I may be a reflection of Your mercy and kindness. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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