Day 356: How We Respond

Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-5:11

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.  Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.  Don’t repay evil for evil.  Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9, NLT

Anytime I come across a passage that says something as clearly as “That is what God has called you to do” I stop and take notice.  The third chapter of 1 Peter has much to say about how I should live as a follower of Christ but these particular words have caught my attention this morning.  There is a lot packed into this particular to-do list but I am really focusing in on the part that says to not retaliate with insults. 

As I read what is being posted on social media these days I wonder how well we are doing with this.  When I am insulted is my first instinct to offer them a blessing instead of a returned insult?  I will be honest, it is often not even my third or fourth or fifth thought.  As I go through the gamut of ways to respond in my head, “blessing” is slow to appear.  Oh, to be rid of this sin nature that always puts me first.  Oh, to be rid of this desire to be found approved by men more than God.  I need God to make me fully into a woman who is tenderhearted and has a humble attitude.  I think those are the qualities necessary to return blessings instead of curses.  And it will certainly take a mighty moving of the Holy Spirit in my life to accomplish living in this world in such a way.

May grace, peace, and mercy abound,