LIVING IN THE BLESSING
1 PETER 3:8-12
1 PETER 3:8-12 NKJV
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For
"He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
OBSERVATION:
When we think of living in God's blessings, many things come to mind. Peace in our homes, peace in our hearts and minds. God's favor and success in our ventures. The list could go on, but all of the things mentioned could be considered God's blessings.
Throughout the Bible, we see God blessing individuals. Kings, common people, families, and nations. But there is a common denominator, people had positioned themselves to receive or inherit God's blessings. We do not see God blessing anyone or any nation that was rebelling against God and His ways.
In our passage for today, Peter is giving qualifications for living in God's blessing.
He starts the chapter with instructions to husbands and wives. Then he moves into how we are to treat each other in the Body of Christ.
His objective is to help God's people would inherit God's blessings. So, he lists how believers are to act.
Single-minded in vision, compassionate, and showing brotherly love. Be tenderhearted and humble.
The instructions in verse 9 seem rather out of place when talking about believers. But Peter charges them to not pay back evil for evil. Don't lash back when someone has insulted, scolded, or berated you. Instead, give a blessing. Not bless your heart which is code at The Ark but bless because you were called to be blessed.
Peter then quotes an Old Testament Psalm listing more qualifications for God's blessing. Hold your tongue from speaking negatives or lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Seek peace with God's people. This is truly righteous living and gives a confidence that God sees, knows and hears the prayers of the righteous but turns His face from those doing evil.
APPLICATION:
Living in the blessings means we are doing what God has commanded, doing things His way. God knows what is best for His children. Living His way honors Him, helps others, and positions His people for His best.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Lord, for teaching me how to live Your way. And how to live in Your blessings.