We have been studying 1 Peter over at She Reads Truth the last few days. Today, they are talking about suffering, endurance and the overcoming power of Jesus Christ. Another part of the scripture reading today jumped out at me and I wanted to go a little deeper…I need more compassion, more Blessing in my life. Not blessing upon me, but blessing in my heart to give to others. What are some of your thoughts?

Bless. 

We were called to bless one another. This is not an easy task, especially when you are being reviled.

Reviled: criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner. Synonyms: Criticize, condemn, censure, ATTACK!

Our inner man/woman wants to retaliate, to push back, to counter-attack. It is in our very NATURE.

But God has called us to be like Him. The Bible says, “…he opened not his mouth…” to His accusers. How is that possible for us today?

Only by relationship. By spending time with Him and taking on His attributes through prayer and the Word of God. Beautiful scriptures such as this one remind us it is possible to endure suffering and turn it into a blessing:

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 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 3:8-9 ESV.

Do not give back evil for evil. If someone stabs you in the back,  don’t grab that knife and plunge it into them…if they condemn, criticize, and attack you with WORDS, do not hurl those weapons back at the accuser.

But on the contrary…

Bless, for to this you were called! It is part of your purpose, even if not a part of your nature. It is Christ IN you, the Hope of Glory.

That you may obtain a blessing. Other versions say that you will INHERIT a blessing. We don’t go around doing good on this earth just so we might receive back from God even more. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit working IN us that causes us to want to be like Him and mimic His actions and teachings. In so doing, at the end of this life, we will inherit a blessing…eternal life in the presence of a holy God!

But what about in this life?

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 NIV.

Running over, it will be poured into your lap! Will you be rich, will you be popular and skipping through fields of daisies? Not necessarily, but you will be blessed and highly favored of God. He will pour into YOU His life-giving presence that will sustain you when you are suffering for His name sake.

Bless someone today. Give. Pour into them and share the love of Jesus Christ. 

Watch it come back to you.

sharing with Faith Filled Friday, Fellowship Friday