1 Peter 3:1-12
Be Still: Jesus, you are the one who calms the storms, still the storms within me. Calm my racing thoughts and slow the beating of my anxious heart. May the stillness be holy, and this moment sacred.
Read: 1 Peter 3:1-12
'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. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” '
Encounter: As followers of Jesus, one of the barometers for our spiritual maturity is how we respond when someone hurts us. It could be harsh words or unfair treatment, for example. How we react to hurtful things can say a lot about the state of our hearts. It’s normal in our culture to repay hurts and get revenge in some way. But, once again, the way of Jesus is to respond in an entirely different way. Peter encourages us to bless those who hurt us.
When was the last time someone hurt you? How did you respond? To respond with mercy, compassion and forgiveness may seem like weakness to many. However, in contrast, it shows incredible strength. True strength is strength under control and it’s this kind of strength that reflects the character of Jesus.
Jesus was insulted, beaten and, ultimately, nailed to a cross to die. He did not retaliate. Instead, he said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ This is the pattern we are also called to follow. This isn’t the same as passivity. Instead, we are called to reflect God’s character and his nature to others and that looks like maintaining a heart of love, forgiveness and peace even when others hurt us.
When someone hurts you, what will your response be? Will you retaliate or will you bless them? God is inviting you into something greater, a chance to reflect His love and to respond with grace.
Apply: Take a moment to write down and reflect on the last time someone wronged you. How did you respond? What fears or desires influenced your reaction? Invite the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to reflect of character of Jesus when others hurt you.
Devote: Lord, teach me and empower me through your Holy Spirit to bless others as You have called me to. Guard my tongue, help me to turn away from evil and to do what is good. May my actions be a testimony of Your mercy in my own life. Amen.