blessed...

1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Just pause for a moment and think about Jesus… on a cross… insulted and spat on… bloodied by the people snickering at him from below… and with what breath he still has, he cries out, “Forgive them” (Luke 23:24).

Now, did you know you are called to a blessed life? Despite anything you could do, God still wants nothing but good for you.

In light of this, you should know that being a blessing is a blessing!

Why would you respond to someone with an insult? Thinking a bad thought about someone doesn’t make them a bad person (our thoughts aren’t that powerful!) – it changes us for the worse. Come on, who’s ever truly felt better after being vindictive or vengeful? (If you do, can I suggest that you may have a wrong attitude!)

It blessed Jesus, just as it blesses us, when we respond positively to negative situations (v14). Respond with how you want to feel. When you are insulted, don’t you wish instead you were being blessed?

Jesus has empowered us to respond with a blessing - it will change you for the better.

Prayer for this week: Father, your great love has shown me the way. Thank you for transforming me and aligning me with the truth. In my quest to live a life of love, I pray that your favour is awakened in me so that I bring favour into my world.