Today’s reading: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Paying someone back for wronging us is appealing on the surface, but it’s not the way God would have us respond. And when we do choose to respond in kind to someone who has hurt us, it doesn’t fix the situation. Any satisfaction it provides is short lived, which leaves us still carrying around anger, bitterness and resentment after the fact.
As he did in chapter 2, Peter once again challenges us as Christ-followers to live differently than the world around us by resisting the urge to retaliate against those who have harmed or treated us in badly. Peter issues this clear instruction in verse 9. “Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”(NLT)
Do you find it difficult to “turn the other cheek” when someone mistreats you? What role does having a humble heart play in being able to “pay them back with a blessing”? Who do you need to pay back with a blessing today? And what might that look like–praying for them, refusing to engage in a fight, offering assistance, paying them a compliment? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
