12/26/08 Romans 12

When we think of Romans 12, first thing we think about is the living sacrifices. Within many churches, this chapter is very popular because it talks about how we can offer our bodies/lives as living sacrifice to God. However, this isn't the only portion in Romans 12. Paul talks about another thing within this chapter, and it is about love. Paul describes what love is and how to live our lives to have love. Paul mentions many things such as never to lack zeal, share with God's people who are in need, be joyful, etc... As I was reading through the verses, one verse really spoke to me.

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

This verse is such a simple and short verse, however, I believe we have hard time blessing people who persecute us. It is not easy blessing people who percutes us. I believe it is so easy for us to curse and gossip about just anything. In extreme cases, if someone is trying to take everything (even your life) away from you, would you be able to bless that person? I believe many of us doesn't even think about blessing someone who prosecute us. We think it is okay to gossip and curse if we don't like that person. This is just one example of how love lacks in our lives. I believe we should acknowledge that we need to forgive/bless everyone, even the people we hate.