Definition: Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important verse from Romans 12:14: “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” It’s a really powerful statement about love, forgiveness, and how to treat others. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says don’t be angry or hateful towards people who are trying to harm you. Instead of reacting with negativity – cursing them – we should choose to bless them. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “Bless them which persecute you…” : This means treat those who are actively attacking, disagreeing with, or trying to discourage you with kindness and love. It's not about being nice to everyone; it’s specifically about those who are causing you harm. “…bless, and curse not.” : This is the key instruction. “Bless” means to show goodness, compassion, and joy. "Curse" means to speak harshly or angrily. Why is this important? The Bible emphasizes that love is the most important thing. Jesus taught us to love our enemies – to pray for those who are angry at us. This verse is a reminder of that fundamental principle. It encourages us to: Stay Peaceful: It urges you to remain calm and peaceful, even when someone is challenging you. Don’t Let Anger Win: Anger can be destructive. It can lead to bitterness, resentment, and potentially harmful actions. Show Grace & Compassion: By blessing them, we show that we see them as people with good intentions, even if they are doing something wrong. Think of it like this: It’s like a garden – you don't want to harm your plants, but you also don't want to be unkind to those who might try to damage the growth. You need to find a way to nurture and support them while protecting yourself. In short, Romans 12:14 encourages us to practice forgiveness and compassion towards those who are trying to harm us – and to do so by offering blessings instead of curses. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a real-life example of how this principle applies?