John Calvin Commentary Romans 12:14

"Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not." — Romans 12:14 (ASV)

Bless them, etc. I wish, once for all, to remind the reader that they should not scrupulously seek a precise order for the precepts laid down here, but must instead be content with short, unconnected precepts, though suited to the formation of a holy life, and deduced from the principle the Apostle laid down at the beginning of the chapter.

He will soon give direction regarding retaliation for injuries we may suffer. But here he requires something even more difficult: we are not to curse our enemies, but instead to wish and pray for God to make all things prosperous for them, however much they may harass and cruelly treat us. And the more difficult this kindness is to practice, the more intensely we ought to strive for it. For the Lord commands nothing for which he does not require our obedience, nor is any excuse allowed if we lack that disposition by which the Lord would have his people differ from the ungodly and the children of this world.

This is arduous, I admit, and wholly opposed to human nature; but there is nothing too arduous to be overcome by the power of God, which will never be lacking to us, provided we do not neglect to seek it. And though you can hardly find anyone who has made such advances in the law of the Lord that they fulfill this precept, yet no one can claim to be a child of God, or glory in the name of a Christian, who has not in part attained this mindset and who does not daily resist the opposite disposition.

I have said that this is more difficult than to forgo revenge when someone is injured. For though some restrain their hands and are not led away by the passion to do harm, yet they wish that some calamity or loss would happen to their enemies. Even when they are so pacified that they wish no evil, there is still hardly one in a hundred who wishes well to someone from whom they have received an injury. Indeed, most people daringly burst forth into curses. But God by his word not only restrains our hands from doing evil but also subdues the bitter feelings within. And not only that, but he would have us be solicitous for the well-being of those who unjustly trouble us and seek our destruction.

Erasmus was mistaken in the meaning of the verb γεῖν (to bless), for he did not perceive that it stands opposed to curses and maledictions. Paul would have God be a witness of our patience in both instances, and see that in our prayers we not only bridle the violence of our wrath but also show, by praying for their pardon, that we grieve at the fate of our enemies when they willfully ruin themselves.