Bible Reading: Ezekiel 36-37; 1 Peter 3
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace and ensue it.” 1 Peter 3:9-11 (KJV)
As we read these passages, we see how clear and lucid the Apostle Peter is in his words. It is difficult not to return wickedness; maybe because we are Christians, you would not do so much evil, but just a little. You want to at least let the other person get a taste of his own recipe. We don’t want to be shouted down; we want to get our own words out too. These are real everyday concerns. We are faced with these challenges daily.
The Apostle recognizes this difficulty and so addresses it. The overwhelming desire to have your own back is in all of us, if it were not so, it would not have been mentioned. The hurt and anger that gives rise to this desire is not peculiar to you and God understands. God’s word here teaches us not to render evil for evil, but on the contrary, blessings! This is incredible.
Again, we can all agree that there is the cursory “God bless you” and that is not what the apostle was talking about. We see that instead of following through with the urge to respond with curses when we are cursed, we should rather bless. I agree that this is difficult. The Apostle Peter more than anyone else would know, will remember how he was so quick to draw his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. He is more than qualified to speak these words to us.
We have been called to inherit a blessing, regardless of how difficult, today, when you suffer wrong, return it with good. When you are cursed, bless. You have found grace.
Prayer: Dear Lord, these things are difficult, but I know that in you I can do all things, help me return good even in the face of evil, keep my tongue from speaking ill at all times in Jesus Christ name.
Pastor Joel Ezeugo