Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them].
Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.

One of my favorite stories about “loving your enemies” comes in the person of Paul. Paul is a friend of mine who came from Cambodia. He saw the Communists take over and execute all of the educated people in the country and people in positions of power. This is why they called it the “killing fields”. He saw his Dad executed right in front of his eyes. And then he fled through the jungles to a refugee camp in Thailand. But he had a brother and sister, as well. So he went back through this perilous jungle, filled with tigers, poisonous snakes, and communist snipers, snuck in and got his brother and sister and then fled back the same way to Thailand. Extreme courage! He became a Christian and then a pastor and we met him as my parents were starting their Cambodian ministry in San Jose. He stayed at our house for over a year, when I was growing up. He is like a brother to me. Fast forward to today, Paul has helped to plant thousands of homes churches in Cambodia, he trains the leaders of these churches, and now, he even ministers to some of those who represent the same communists who executed his family. What an amazing story of “loving your enemies” and forgiveness!

I don’t fully understand how Paul does this, it would be very difficult to do. But I know the one who gives him the strength to do it … Jesus Christ. And I am humbled by the sacrifice of love that he lives.

When we read about loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us, it almost seems foreign to us. And not taking vengeance when the opportunity presents itself, this seems foolish. But God says he will take up our cause and carry out justice and uphold righteousness. I have found the main reason for this is because VENGEANCE is a TRAP that will catch us and TAKE US DOWN. It consumes the mind. We must be free to live, not consumed by payback.

Lord, I give you those who test me and persecute me. I pray for them. May you rescue them from their darkness and help them to see your wonderful light! Teach me to reflect your mercy and grace to them.