Persecution

Matthew 5:43-44 (HCSB)
   ⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Romans 12:14&17&19 (HCSB)
  ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil.….¹⁹ Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.

Father I am distraught, disturbed and disquieted over the persecution of all people. The horrific reports and pictures of such inhumane suffering are overwhelming. My reaction is to do to them what they have so mercilessly done to the innocent and those of another faith.

However, Father you have called us and commanded us to be of another attitude toward the enemies of humanity and of yourself. You have called us to pursue peace, pray for our enemies and be patient for the sure coming of justice. Again you remind us: “Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay. In time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” Deuteronomy 32:35 (HCSB)

Father you tell us that: “….government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.” Romans 13:4 (HCSB)

I pray Father for the persecutors, as Saul of Tarsus was once, to see the truth of your Light, repent of their evil ways and trust in Jesus. Because I know your day of justice is coming and may it be soon for the sake of your suffering people.

And Father I am reminded to: “Remember …… those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

Amen

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