Blessing for a Curse

When someone does us wrong, maybe the damage is emotional or maybe it even hurts our reputation or career. So, what do we do with that? The culture and our gut says to get even, maybe lash back. It will make us feel better, right? But, as followers of Jesus Christ, we know His way is different than the rest of the world. The Bible says many ways to return a blessing for a curse. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14).

Of course, the Lord calls us to forgive them. The scripture is pretty specific: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Forgive them, knowing that Jesus has forgiven us.

But when it comes to returning a blessing for a curse, first off we are to try to get along. Paul speaks really widely when he writes, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18). Wow, be at peace, and it does say “all”. You may be shaking your head at “all”. But keep in mind the qualifiers, “if possible” and “so far as it depends on you”. So, we are responsible for the effort, not how it comes out. Sometimes it will not result in peace.

So, we are on the receiving end of a curse, broadly defined: a smackdown, slander, abusive speech or worse. What do I do when my blood boils, thinking about them and what they have done to me? Jesus said, “I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This is from Jesus, who prayed on the cross that the Father would forgive the ones who crucified Him.

So how do I pray for someone who hurt me? I have had some dandy beatdowns in my life. I think of one individual that there is nothing that lies within me that would enable peace with him. When I think of him too long, I have to go to prayer, for him, it is the only way to cope. I ask God to bless him, give him prosperity, peace in his heart, life, relationships, anything I can think of to ask God to bless him. As I pray, God calms the rage and hurt in my soul. And then I find myself really hoping God does those things for him!  Blessing for a curse!

But what if I run into the person who hurt me? It happens. Jesus addressed that too. We give them the same greeting we would give any other person we ran into, the common respect. “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matthew 5:46,47). The basic, respectful greeting is “How are you doing”? Ask about the family, talk about the weather. Obviously, avoid controversy and just give a greeting. It is what it means to return a blessing for a curse.

Pastor Clay is preaching through a series called, “UNSTOPPABLE.” God’s blessings are out there; what’s holding YOU back? One of the things that holds people back is forgiveness when they have been hurt. Forgiveness is often a difficult process. Did you know that you don’t have to forget in order to forgive? Check out his sermon here.