BEING A BELIEVER EVERYDAY

Rom 12:14; Selected Scriptures
By
D.Z. Cofield, Th. M., D. Min.
October 10, 2021

Scripture Reading:

Romans 12:14-21 (ESV) – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

John 13:34-35 (ESV) – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

LOVE – Definition by Pastor A. Louis Patterson

“Love is a minimum of emotions and a maximum evaluation of need, with the meeting of that need, in a spirit of self-sacrifice, by doing whatever is needed to be done, even if you don’t feel like doing it…”

1. You are COMMANDED to speak well of the people who do you WRONG.

Romans 12:14 (ESV) – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Persecute –

Bless – eulogeō;

Curse – kataraomai;

A. It means to speak well TO our persecutors.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT2) – Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

B. It means to speak well ABOUT our persecutors.

1 Corinthians 4:12 (ESV) – and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

C. It means to do GOOD to our persecutors.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 (ESV) – See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

2. You will be BLESSED when you learn how to bless the people who have done WRONG to you.

1 Peter 3:9-12 (NLT2) – Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”