Some “through the bible” thoughts from 1 Peter 2 and 3.
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).
That’s an amazing admonition for Christians scattered around Asia trying to be faithful in a hostile world. Our world is the same. We war with words on social media. We angrily exchange insults with strangers in stores. It’s so easy to contrive in my head what I would say to someone if I had the chance. Who doesn’t want to give someone a piece of our mind? Our behavior is nothing like that of the one we claim to follow.
When [Christ] was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).
So when we’re ready to retaliate, how do we, “on the contrary, bless”? How will my words encourage, build up, or bless someone?
- James gives some good initial advice: “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). Pause. Don’t respond immediately. Whatever you’re feeling in the moment will change in a few minutes. Wait until anger subsides before you consider a response.
- Ask questions. Why is someone so upset? Why have they reviled you in the first place? Some speak from fear. Or they are expressing their own hurt. Or they don’t realize how their words have offended you. Perhaps you misunderstood what they said or meant to say. Open a door and ask, “Why did you say that?”
- Maybe you had it coming. Maybe you need to apologize. Asking forgiveness defuses conflict and brings grace to the table.
- Ask, “What can I do?” or “How can I help?” You don’t have to add to the problem. You can bring something positive to the moment.
- When Jesus was reviled on the cross, he prayed. Bringing God into the mix is a game changer. You don’t have to conjure up a blessing. He’s the source of every good thing.
How will you bless someone today?
Waite for it... 