I Peter 3:8-12
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,
because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
(I Peter 3:9)
Peter's words in our text have often been ignored in the heat of anger and retribution. It is much easier to respond in kind to those who hurt you than it is to offer blessing. Peter's words are a reflection of what he learned from Jesus, and though he struggled with them during Jesus' earthly ministry, the passing years and experiences seem to have tempered his previously rash responses.
Experience is a great teacher. As we mark certain stages of life, we look back to see how differently we view life at that moment as compared to years gone by. In the months following the Allied victory in World War II, American General, Dwight D Eisenhower said, "I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity." The glory of war had given way to the painful reality of its cost in human terms.
We too easily allow ourselves to react in kind to those who hurt us. Peter's words are not an invitation to abuse or weakness. On the contrary, it takes great courage to offer blessing in the midst of evil.
Christmas comes to us in the form of a child who would be called, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Let us be grateful that God answered the evil of human sin with the blessing we inherit by faith and are called to share by love.
Prayer: Prince of Peace, work within my heart that I may repay evil with blessing. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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