In the middle of our week, on the marks of a true Christian,

today we're looking at Paul's command to bless those who persecute you.

Truly blessing those around us that seem to be against us is an incredible act of love, producing fruit not only in the

lives of others, but in our lives as well. May God give us insight into his heart for this

command today, as well as the courage to live it out. Welcome to the first 15 podcast. Our scripture for today comes from Romans chapter 12, verse 14.

Scripture says,

Bless those who persecute you.

Bless and do not curse them.

Think back on an unresolved conflict you've had.

Maybe a friend, spouse, family member, or a coworker wronged you.

Reflect on the anger, frustration, and sense of injustice you felt.

Maybe you still feel those feelings today when you remember that situation.

Conflict without grace and forgiveness is like a small hole in the fabric of our emotions

that seems to tear larger and larger with every passing day.

The more we play the scenario over in our heads,

the worse it seems to get.

The feelings of unforgiveness

and the need for fairness carry with them an increasingly heavy burden.

And the Bible teaches us that unforgiveness and seeking fairness are weights we were never intended to bear.

Jesus completely turned our system of fairness on its head.

In Luke chapter 6, verses 27 through 31, he said,

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies.

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