Rachael Abigail Mushala Chisulo
In the Old Testament,the prophet Elijah called down fire that killed the people who came against him.(2 kings 1:10)
Elisha cursed the children who ridiculed him and they were killed by bears.(2 Kings 2:24)
But in the New Testament,the Apostles James and John wanted to call down fire like Elijah had done,in order to destroy a city that had rejected Jesus but Jesus rebuked them saying,”you do not know what manner of spirit you are of.” (Luke 9:54-55)
Jesus Christ commands us to bless and not curse those who come against us.
The Bible forbids us from cursing those who may persecute us.
Romans 12:14 says,”Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Jesus says that by us blessing our enemies instead of cursing them,it is what will create a distinction between God’s children and unbelievers.
Jesus had power to call down God’s Judgment on those who were killing Him,but instead,He healed the ear of someone who came to arrest Him.
Jesus led by example by praying for those who killed Him saying,“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
The Apostles of Jesus Christ followed in His footsteps.
Stephen also prayed for those who were killing him.
Acts 7:60,”Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Jesus says God our Father blesses both the good and wicked with rain and sunshine therefore He also expects us to bless our enemies,not curse.
Matthew 5:38-39,”You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”
Matthew 5:43-47,”You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?”
In the end times,many deceptive spirits have gone forth to deceive unto perdition.
Although not everyone can have the gift of discernment of spirits,it’s easy to know a person operating by a spirit that is contrary to the Spirit of God if you study scripture.
A person operating by the Holy Spirit will not curse their opponents for disagreeing with them no matter how persecuted they may be.
But like Jesus and the Apostles,they will bless and endure because the Holy Spirit in them delights in showing mercy.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:12,”………….. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;”
We live in such dangerous times of deception therefore we all need to personally study scripture,to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and to personally seek God whole heartedly and not rely on any person.
1 John 4:1,”Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
It is necessary for deception to be rampant because that is how God let’s us know that time is up!
It is a sign of the end times.
But the Spirit of God cannot contradict His word.
Therefore if you personally know God’s word it will be easy to know those sent to deceive.
Matthew 24:24,”For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.