Pray For Your Oppressor

"Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" 

                                                                               (1 Peter 3:16-18 KJV)

I have had my share of having others speak evil about me. We all have. It seems to be human nature to tear other people down and it is what Jesus said would happen to those who follow him. He said:

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."

                                                                                (John 15:18-20)

When assaulted do not repay evil with evil; rather pray for your oppressor. Paul wrote to the Romans:

 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

                                                                                 (Romans 18:21)

Loving and praying for those who persecute and revile you is not an easy thing to do. But, it is the right thing for them and for you. 

For:

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

                                                                                      (Matt 5:11-12)

May we all live in the blessed peace of God's eternal presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J