“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” -Romans 12:14
If you’ve spent any time in Christian circles, you’ve likely heard a sermon preached on blessing our enemies and praying for those who curse us. (Luke 6:28) We talk about blessing as it relates to people who are different than us, aka, sinners, or the unrighteous. But how often on a regular basis do we get to mingle with people who are COMPLETELY different than us, unless we started hanging out at bars, strip clubs, or mosques? And, how often does someone who is more like us rub us the wrong way at church? How do we respond? Do we actually know how to bless someone we disagree with, like Jesus did?
Our culture is pretty different than Eastern Jewish culture was back then. Our culture is very much based on a performance-mindset - that is, “If you do what I want, I’ll bless you.” This idea comes through in our parenting styles, our management, and our pastoral care. No doubt about it there is consequence for poor or bad behavior. But, in the Jewish culture they understood that blessing was a given. You bless the person because they are a human being, created by God. You believe the best for them. You pray for them. As far as honor was concerned, they honored people because of the position they held, not because of good or bad behavior, (not to say they didn’t confront them.) (Matthew 18:15) But, in our culture, I think we have it backwards. We’re called to bless, not withhold blessing based on performance. In reality, we should honor everyone, no matter who they are.
True love isn’t love if it’s conditional - true love is very hard. When we are offended or hurt by something, we naturally shrink back in self-protection. To be possible, unconditional blessing requires the cross - it requires Jesus.
Are you able to bless others unconditionally? When someone hurts you, instead of putting walls up, try blessing them instead. This isn’t condoning out of order behavior - but a recognition of the person in spite of their behavior. Pray and ask God how He might have you bless someone today.
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