"Persecution in a Crisis" (Romans 12:14, 17-21)

Romans 12:14 NIV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Romans 12:17–21 NIV

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Passive Response to Persecution and Mistreatment

Do not curse.

Do not repay evil for evil.

Do not take revenge.

Do not be overcome by evil.

The Active Response to Persecution and Mistreatment

Bless those who persecute you.

Do what is right in everyone’s eyes.

Live at peace with everyone.

Leave room for God’s wrath.

Do real acts of kindness for your enemies.

Overcome evil with good.

Main Idea: Even in the most trying of circumstances, Christians are called by our Savior to gracefully receive the mistreatment of our persecutors and actively demonstrate sacrificial love to them.