Choose Your Response

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

Romans 12:14

ISAAC WAS LIVING IN PHILISTINE COUNTRY, where he was growing successful and wealthy (Genesis 26). At a certain point, the jealousy of the Philistines reached a boiling point, and they decided to do something about it. They sabotaged Isaac’s wells (cutting off his water supply) and ran him out of the country. As he moved from place to place, he continued to face opposition from people who claimed ownership of the wells that belonged to him. Each time, Isaac moved on rather than fight back. Why didn’t he stand up for himself? Isn’t that the right thing to do?

Later in Genesis 26, we see these former enemies come to Isaac to make peace. Why? Because they had seen clearly that God was with him and that he was blessed by the Lord. The forbearance and restraint Isaac showed while being treated unfairly ended up being a powerful testimony to those who needed it. We don’t know whether these former enemies ended up seeking after God, but we do know they understood that Isaac’s God—our God—involves Himself personally in the lives of those who love Him. That’s not a bad place for faith to start.

The next time you’re treated unfairly, consider that your response might be what turns someone’s attention to their need for God.

BOTTOM LINE

Sometimes the boldest statement about our confidence in Christ is made when we bless those who persecute us.

Moment of Strength: Matthew 5:38-48