“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
(1 Peter 3:9)
One of the clearest evidences of the grace of Christ in the heart is the ability to answer evil with kindness and reproach with blessing because this type of response is not natural to fallen humanity. Our instinct is to defend ourselves, return insult for insult, and repay injury with injury. Yet the gospel calls us to a higher, holier way.
The Lord Jesus Himself is our perfect example. When He departed from His disciples and ascended into heaven, His final act toward them was one of blessing. His hands were lifted in benediction, and while He blessed them, He was carried up into glory. The last recorded action of our Savior on earth was not rebuke, judgment, or condemnation toward His own, but blessing. How fitting, then, that those who belong to Him should be known by the same spirit.[1]
Peter, who witnessed Christ’s ascension, never forgot this lesson. Thus, he exhorted believers to be tenderhearted, courteous, and peaceable. They were not to return evil for evil or railing for railing. Instead, they were to bless.
This command, however, requires a transformed heart. It means refusing to hold onto bitterness and revenge, and praying for those who wrong us. It means seeking good even for those who have spoken evil against us.
Such conduct seems foolish to the world. The world admires retaliation and calls revenge strength. Nevertheless, the believer’s honor is not found in winning every argument or answering every insult. It is found in displaying the character of Christ.
The apostle gives a remarkable reason for this command: “Knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
Christ answered our rebellion with mercy, our guilt with forgiveness, and our unworthiness with grace. Through Him, we have received every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. So how can we who have been so richly blessed refuse to bless others?
Furthermore, we are heirs of an eternal inheritance. The blessing awaiting the people of God is beyond measure. We shall see Christ, dwell in His presence, and enjoy everlasting fellowship with Him. Such an inheritance should make us more than willing to endure present injuries without retaliation.
Therefore, let us imitate our Savior. Let our words be marked by kindness, our hearts by mercy, and our conduct by grace. The One who departed from earth blessing His disciples calls us to walk in that same spirit until we too are gathered into His heavenly presence.
Contemplations:
- The Blessing I Have Received. I have received mercy that I did not deserve. God has forgiven my sins and blessed me in countless ways. When I remember His kindness toward me, I am reminded to share it freely with others.
- Examining My Speech. My words often reveal more about my heart than I realize. I can be quick to defend myself and slow to speak graciously. I need the Lord’s help to make my speech more gentle, patient, and Christlike.
- Leaving Vengeance To God. There are times when I want to answer wrong with wrong and criticism with criticism. Yet God has not called me to be my own judge or avenger but rather to leave every injustice in His righteous hands.
- Living As An Heir Of Blessing. I am an heir of an everlasting inheritance. The blessing that awaits me in Christ far outweighs the temporary injuries and reproaches of this life. Remembering my heavenly inheritance helps me endure difficulties with greater patience.
Prayer (Adoration):
Blessed and gracious Lord, I adore You because You are rich in mercy and abundant in lovingkindness. You have not dealt with me according to my sins, nor rewarded me according to my iniquities. Instead, You have answered my rebellion with grace and my guilt with forgiveness.
I praise You for the example of Your Son, who came into this world to bless and to save. Even as He departed from His disciples, His hands were stretched out in blessing. His whole life displayed perfect patience, gentleness, and love.
Your heart is full of compassion toward Your people. You delight to show mercy, to forgive, and to give good gifts to Your children. Every spiritual blessing that I possess comes from Your gracious hand.
I praise You for calling me to inherit a blessing that can never fade. The hope of eternal life, the promise of Your presence, and the certainty of my inheritance in Christ are treasures beyond all measure.
Teach me to reflect Your character more faithfully. Make my words gracious and my spirit gentle. Help me bless others because I myself have been so richly blessed by You.
You alone are worthy of all praise and honor, for You are the God of mercy, the God of blessing, and the God of everlasting grace.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Rom. 12:17; 1 Thess. 5:15; Matt. 5:39; Luke 6:28
[1] Edward Hyde, Christ and His Church (London: R. White for Rich. Davis in Oxford, 1658), 223-225.
