Our natural response to someone who deliberately hurts us is to defend ourselves, return the insult, or perhaps find a way to make that person feel some of the pain they have caused us. We want to even the score. We may not always act on that impulse, but if we’re honest, the impulse is often there.

Paul is telling us that followers of Christ are called to respond differently. We are not to allow someone else’s hostility to determine the character of our response. We can disagree with their actions. We can speak the truth. We can establish boundaries and seek appropriate protection or justice. The point I see Paul making is this: do NOT respond with the same hatred or hostility that has been directed toward us. 

Bless – don’t curse.

Find the rest of this podcast at

YouTube:

Bless, Don’t Curse

Spotify:

Bless, Don’t Curse

In His Grip

Paige