TOPIC: RESPOND TO ABUSERS WITH BLESSINGS
Bible Text: 1 Peter 3:9-19
“Do not repay evil with evil or 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
MESSAGE
Christians in the Iraqi city of Qaraqosh returned to their homes after it was set free from the ISIS terrorists, but refused to assault their neighbours that betrayed and sold them out. They rather kept praying, preaching and blessing them so as to win them for Christ.
These Iraqi Christians are like the Christians undergoing persecution that Peter wrote to. The Apostle stresses that the standard of Christ is one that requires Christians to always bless their enemies, abusers, and persecutors rather than cursing them. Peter was clear when he stated that Christians should be concerned with doing good. Rather than cursing, they should be ready to explain and share their faith with others in gentleness and respect, not by violence or cursing.
‘Fire for Fire’, ‘Tit for tat’, are the norms in our generation but they are not the norms of God’s Kingdom. If you are concerned about making it to God’s Kingdom, you must be ready to be a blessing to all the people you come across in life. Today as you go out, pray for grace to respond with blessings and love to all who have offended and who will still offend you.
Insight: Always forgive your enemies, nothing annoys them so much – Oscar Wilde
Prayer: Father, fill me with grace to respond to hatred and persecutions with Your divine blessings.
RBT Passage: Jeremiah 22-24