Bless Those Who Persecute You; Bless, and Don’t Curse

This passage conveys the apostle Paul's command to the believers in Rome to bless those who persecute them and not to curse, as he emphasises harmony in the church and love put into practice. It explains that rather than taking revenge on enemies or losing one's temper according to the world's logic, we must follow the Holy Spirit's leading in the spiritual battle of overcoming evil with good.

Through the account of Thomas, who could not believe until he had touched Jesus himself, the sermon points out the need for a faith that goes beyond instinctive doubt and reason. It says that when believers go down to a low place to understand and embrace others, they can overcome Satan's tests and grow spiritually mature. It also emphasises that a life of loving one's brothers and diligently serving the Lord is the true evidence of salvation, and the way to reveal God through sincere love without pretence.

Must believers have a mature character that, rather than cursing or taking revenge when caught up in their own feelings, can rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep?