Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9
When someone wounds us, the most natural response is to strike back, or at least silently stew. But Peter flips the script: “on the contrary, bless.” Why? Because that is our calling and our blessing.
Peter quotes Psalm 34, reminding believers that God sees and hears the righteous. He turns His face against evil but listens to those who pursue peace. We do not bless because people deserve it; we bless because God is watching, and grace is our language.
In a world of hot takes and quick retaliation, believers are called to be cool-headed and to bless people. That takes strength. It takes Spirit-filled love.
Father, tame our tongues. Teach us to bless instead of bite, to speak peace instead of poison. Let our words echo the mercy we have received.
Called to Bless,
eep