Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

1 Peter 3:8-12

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 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. For,

“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.

They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

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Reflect

Our verses today come after Peter has laid out guidelines for godly living for slaves, wives and husbands. These instructions are applicable to all people: slave, free, male or female.

He calls for all people to be like-minded in their love for each other. We saw this same theme in Sunday’s scripture lesson though it was written by Paul. Peter and Paul could agree on at least a couple of things: the redemptive power of Christ and the command to love one another.

Peter begins here to give the believers a glimpse of some of the trials and problems they will have because of their faith. He is calling them to a higher plain. Do not retaliate when you are abused for your faith, but be a blessing. When you are a blessing to others, especially an adversary, God will bless you. Peter recalls a Psalm of David to confirm his cause. Who better than the writings of David to draw from when faced with an enemy. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous who turn from evil and do good and seek peace. God is your salvation and guide.

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Pray

Father of all. Make me a blessing to those I meet today. Raise me above my enemies that I may not repeat their insults, but that I may repeat words of your love through Christ. Amen

Go with God!