Bless Those Who Persecute You, and Do Not Curse

The passage speaks of giving food and drink to those who persecute. The world fights to pay back its enemies, but the church fights for souls, and so forgiveness and love become its way.

When injustice is patiently endured and answered with good, a time comes when the other person recognizes the wrong of their own accord. The same love was at work when Jesus would not give up on doubting Thomas, but let him touch his hands and his side. When repaying wrongs is left to God, and Christians go down to the lowly place, not counting themselves better than others, strife ceases and relationships are restored.

Blessing and cursing alike return in the end to the one who speaks them. To bless from the heart requires a high sense of self-worth, and true harmony comes when a person empties themselves and acknowledges others. Rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep: that is the life that overcomes evil with good.