A Call to Blessing

02/04/2025

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
— 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

At the core of our human nature is the desire for justice, or at least, what we perceive as justice. When someone speaks harshly to us, we want to respond with equally sharp words. When someone mistreats us, our instinct is to withhold kindness in return. But Peter presents us with a radical challenge: instead of repaying evil with evil, we are to repay evil with blessing.

This is not just a moral ideal; it is the way of Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus exemplified this principle. When the religious leaders falsely accused Him, He did not respond with accusations. When the Roman soldiers mocked and crucified Him, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). He was the ultimate example of blessing those who wronged Him.

But why does God call us to this?

Because we are His children:
When we choose to bless instead of retaliate, we are reflecting the character of our Father in heaven. Jesus said in Luke 6:35, “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” When we respond with blessing, we are showing the world who our Father is.

Because we have been shown grace:
Before we knew Christ, we were undeserving of His mercy. We had sinned against Him, yet He did not repay us with the punishment we deserved. Instead, He blessed us with salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. If God has shown us this kind of grace, how can we withhold it from others?

Because it leads to blessings:
Peter reminds us that when we choose to bless, we inherit a blessing. This may not always mean earthly rewards, but it does mean that we will experience the peace, joy, and favor of God. There is freedom in letting go of bitterness and choosing love instead.

Think about the last time someone hurt you. Maybe they spoke against you, ignored you, or treated you unfairly. What if, instead of harboring resentment, you chose to pray for them? What if you responded with unexpected kindness? The world teaches us to return fire with fire, but Jesus calls us to disarm our enemies with love.

So how do we apply this to our day to day life? Here are a few things you can do.

Practice Self-Control
The next time someone wrongs you, pause before reacting. Ask yourself, How would Jesus respond in this moment?

Pray for Those Who Hurt You
Instead of replaying the offense in your mind, take it to God in prayer. Ask Him to bless the person who hurt you.

Extend Unexpected Kindness
A kind word, a genuine smile, or even silent forgiveness can be a powerful testimony of Christ’s love.

Blessing instead of cursing is not about being weak; it is about being strong in Christ. It is about trusting God to be the ultimate judge and resting in the peace that comes from obedience. Today, choose the path of blessing, it may just change someone’s life, including your own.

Lord, You have called me to a higher standard—to bless those who hurt me, to love my enemies, and to reflect Your grace in all I do. This is not easy, but I know that Your Spirit within me can give me the strength to do it. Help me to let go of resentment and choose love instead. May my life be a testimony of Your mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Jeff

#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign