Passage Read: Romans 12-13
Meditation Verses: 12:19-21
Thought
Paul says to bless rather than curse those who persecute us, because we're not to take our own vengeance but to leave room for God's wrath. Let God punish those who persecute us, those who set themselves as our enemies. Instead, if we see them in need, we're to help them: If hungry, feed them; if thirsty, give them a drink. This will either make them ashamed and possibly repent, or it will cause them to double down and heap up greater judgment against themselves. This is somehow compatible with kicking the dust off our feet when a community rejects God's message, or with cursing those who lead others astray, as in the case of the Galatians. In the first case, that is a testimony against them and a warning. In the second, they are enemies of the Gospel, threatening the faith of whole communities of Christians.
Application
If someone opposes me personally, I need to respond graciously, bless them and help if they have a clear need. If a whole group of people drive me away so that I cannot share the Gospel with them, I can and should warn them that they are condemning themselves. But if a false teacher arises, I should rebuke him; if he refuses to listen, I need to warn other believers. If he is a danger to the church, I can ask the Lord to remove him.