Give A Blessing

not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing. - 1 Peter 3:9 ESV

The readers of this letter were facing significant attack because of their choice to follow Jesus. They are experiencing persecution and suffering because of their faith. Peter is encouraging the readers to endure this suffering. He wants them to take hope in the eternal relationship with Jesus and a future where this suffering will not exist.

Peter’s guidance in verse nine is the embodiment of Jesus’ teaching to “turn the other cheek”. When facing these horrific attacks don’t respond with the same bad attitude that you are being attacked with. Rather than slinging mud back at the people insulting you, do something radical. “Give a blessing” to those who mean to share evil with you.

As followers of Jesus, we are supposed to show love. Even when the people we are showing love to are not showing love by their actions. Jesus wants us to preach the Gospel through our words and particularly through our actions.

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt