Bless

May 8, 2020

“When was the last time you prayed for him?” I asked this question of a friend, a professing Christian who had been constantly complaining about our president, posting negative Facebook articles, and getting into heated online arguments with people she didn’t even know. The second question I asked was, “Is this giving you any joy?” She never answered my first question and unfriended me with the second. So much for Facebook friends.

These questions are just as valid today as they were three years ago when I first asked them, and are valid for all of us no matter where we stand politically. Not only valid, they are essential for the Christian. Here in New York State we have the best (or worst) of both worlds: a liberal Democratic governor, and a fiercely combative Republican president. We get to hate one and love the other! It’s easy to pray blessing on the politician with whom you agree. It’s quite another to do the same for the one who tramples with impunity upon the values you hold dear. But we are not given the option of praying curses. Blessings are commanded of us, even for those who make our lives difficult.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” —1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

““You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

—Matthew 5:43-44 NIV

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

—Romans 12:14 NIV

How do we as Christians justify our criticizing, complaining, and castigating those in authority with whom we disagree, especially if we have failed to pray for them? It is a trap into which we easily fall, and it is deadly to the life of the spirit. There is no shortage of internet fodder for the complainer, and no lack of those eager to argue their side, none of which changes anyone’s mind. When I click on the link that feeds my biases, I may feel justified, but in doing so, have I forfeited the justification that comes by faith in Christ? And when I read the article that condemns the other side, do I become partaker in condemnation, and by it a partner with the Evil One, the Accuser? And wouldn’t I rather be partner with the One who came to bless and give life? 

The time given us by our COVID-induced vacation is much better spent in the Scriptures which build up than in the media that only inflames our anger and fear. There is no joy to be found on television, the internet, or print. Joy is the gift of Jesus Christ, and I have found that when I seek him and obey his command to bless even those “on the other side,” the blessings return to me. It doesn’t get much better than that!