TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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. 1 Peter 3:9
Read: 1 Peter 3:8-9
Listen: 1 Peter 3
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus calls us to himself and his extreme goodness from the moment we first understand and believe Jesus died on the cross in our place. He wants us to be like him and not everyone else. Therefore, repaying evil with a blessing is our calling.
Peter tells us to relate to others with sympathy, compassion, oneness, brotherly love and humility (1 Peter 3:8). Showing mercy and kindness in the face of persecution is one more trait that sets Jesus-followers apart. Jesus says, “But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28).
By telling us we’re called to do what isn’t natural, Jesus gives us a new purpose. Our first inclination is not to be kind when someone hurts us. We don’t want to be extremely good to people who wrong us. But God never asks us to do anything he won’t help us do. Our purpose is to reflect Jesus’s character with our response—and his power is available to help us. The first step may be to pray and ask God for help to WANT to show mercy to those who don’t deserve it. Then ask him for HIS HELP to do it. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion shares what can happen when our response is a blessing.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Write 1 Peter 3:9 on a sticky note and put it where you can see it daily. Memorize it and ask God to give you his heart of kindness, mercy and love toward someone who has hurt you.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
January is BIBLE READING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
