SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1-3
“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)
We have not only been saved BY grace, we have been saved FOR grace.
To be gracious, to share the blessing of God’s undeserved mercy… even with those who are against us.
Peter urges his audience of Jesus followers to be like Jesus in this dark world.
The Lord has sent us into the world to continue what He began.
Wherever we are, whatever we go through, He calls us to respond with blessing.
Whether under a cruel emperor, or slave master, or husband, shine with the love and blessing of Jesus.
This is how we witness to Jesus, this is how we win people to Jesus!
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)
“So that if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by (our) behavior, when they see the purity and reverence of our lives.” (1 Peter 3:1-2)
Notice that Peter adds the thought “so that you may inherit a blessing”.
Apparently we who have been blessed, need to be a blessing, if we want to enjoy the eternal blessing.
It is not an optional extra, it is what it means to be a Christian… it is our calling!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, this is why I am here, this is what my calling is. Show me how I can bless people today, so that they may be won over to You!
Observations/Application
Life is a reality in Jesus Christ. Joy is a possibility – only in Christ Jesus. And the Spirit continues to work in us. Live as His children. Be His imitators. Grow in Him. Stand strong. BeStrong. Be a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. LiveStrong. Be a shining light in all circumstances so that others may see the Light of Jesus in you. LightShine. SonShine.
Christ Jesus is the answer as we see through the eyes of a child. I need always to be ready to give that answer for my hope is in Him.
Live for Jesus.
Always for Jesus.
In all circumstances for Jesus.
All for Him.
All for Jesus, all for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed powers:
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.
Refrain
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours;
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
Let my hands perform His bidding,
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let my eyes see Jesus only,
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
Refrain
Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
Cling to gilded toys of dust,
Boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
Only Jesus will I trust.
Refrain
Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
So enchained my spirit’s vision,
Looking at the Crucified.
Refrain
Oh, what wonder! how amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
Deigns to call me His belovèd,
Lets me rest beneath His wings.
Refrain