1 Peter 3:9

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

When we bless those who persecute us we are showing the very nature of Christ to them. Look at the way in which Jesus acted and spoke when the Roman soldiers were whipping Him and mocking Him. He could have struck them all dead with one thought of doing so, but instead He asked His Father God to forgive them for they did not know what they were doing. Any persecution that we may go through pales in comparison to what Jesus suffered on our behalf, He was sinless and did not deserve the persecution He received, but out of His great love for us He died a criminals death to shed His blood for our many sins. Surely we can bless those who persecute us for His sake!

So, the next time someone mistreats you, remember that you are in good company, because they treated our Savior poorly as well! Pray for that person and ask God to soften their heart, pray that they may come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. After all, that is why we are still walking this earth, to show the love of Christ to the yet unsaved!

Loving and gracious God, please soften my heart and toughen my resolve so I can love as Jesus loved. Make my life redemptive, especially to those who oppose, ridicule, belittle, and hate me. Use me, Father, to bring others to the grace of Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.