Scripture

Romans 12:14 (NLT)

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

Consider

This might be one of the most difficult commandments to embrace. In this time of terrorist attacks and horrific evil in our very streets, it seems impossible to think kindly of the perpetrators. Yet Paul says we should do it. Why? Because Jesus said it first.

Blessing our enemies may sound like a good idea because kindness and love might soften their hearts and turn them from evil. And that may be quite true. However, the primary motivation that Jesus gives in Luke 6 is about our relationship with God, not the welfare of our enemies. Love your enemies, he says, to please your Father in heaven and bring blessing into your life. Be merciful to prove that you are a true child of your Father, who shows mercy to everyone, no matter how evil and ungrateful they are.

To show mercy to an enemy, to desire goodness and peace for one who hurts and destroys through selfish intent, is exactly what God did through Jesus on the cross. It’s what God did for you and me when we were still God’s enemies and far from understanding. It’s the rule of God’s kingdom, which stands firmly opposed to the rule of sin and chaos in the world around us. By God’s divine will and power, mercy is the weapon God will use to ultimately destroy the enemy—that is, the devil and his agents—and release the world from its chains of wickedness once and for all.

Pray

FATHER, how it must grieve you to see your beloved creation spoiled by wanton acts of selfishness and destruction. Yet in your mercy you withhold judgment until the very last day, willing even those who are bent on evil to repent and return to you. Give me a heart of mercy like yours. Help me to love and forgive when I want to hate and condemn. Help me to remember your mercy to me and trust in your great plan of redemption.

Reflect

Luke 6:35-36; James 2:12-13

Ponder

How might God’s view of mercy differ from the world’s view?