27 November 2025
“Bless those persecuting you, bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14 (CSB). The world retaliates with words. It pays back injury with accusation and silence with contempt. Mark Penrith said, “This love is not a solo sport.” He reminded us that “our church is our practice field.” Here is where we learn the gospel of speech. We do not mirror the world’s language. We follow the pattern of Christ. We speak blessing when we are tempted to fight fire with fire. “You speak well of those who speak evil of you.” This is a supernatural calling. It is the evidence that Christ lives in us. The mouth becomes the battlefield. The tongue becomes the weapon. God calls us to use every word for peace and honour.
Paul gives us another command. “Rejoice with those rejoicing, weep with those weeping.” Romans 12:15 (CSB). This is the language of love. Mark said, “This text shows you the exercises.” This is how we train the tongue for love. We enter the joy of others when we feel our lack. We enter their sorrow when we have our own burdens. This requires humility, patience and compassion. It reflects the heart of Jesus. He entered our sorrow. He shared our grief. When we use words to bless, comfort and rejoice we imitate His voice. “God loves peacemakers.” We practice that peace with our words. This is where discipleship becomes visible.
Paul continues, “Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:16 (CSB). Words destroy unity. Words build unity. “God never intended you to train alone.” Mark said, “This is the divine workout plan.” We cannot pursue harmony while we hold grudges or nurse old wounds. We cannot follow Christ while we cherish pride. “Not being proud.” Scripture calls us into humility and honour. The church becomes the place where humility is spoken aloud. We listen before we answer. We forgive before we accuse. Every word becomes an offering of peace. This is love’s training ground from the sermon. It shapes us into a community the world cannot explain. “Blessing a sister. Sharing with a saint. This is how we build the muscle memory of love.”
So when conflict comes today, choose silence, prayer or blessing instead of payback. Teach your children to say, “We speak blessing in our home.” Ask the Spirit to govern the tongue. Ask Him to give you words that heal.
Prayer: Lord, guard my words today. Teach me to bless and not curse. Teach me to speak peace, honour and love. Amen.