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Want More Blessings?

A blessing, (also used to refer to bestowing of such) is the infusion of something with holiness, spiritual redemption, divine will, or one’s hope or approval. Blessings are good things, things we all want for ourselves, our families and our friends. However, we live in a world where it is hard to find them sometimes. War, debt, unemployment, monetary collapse, political infighting, even our religious freedoms are under attack.

“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.” ~1 Peter 3:8-9

In 1 Peter 3:8-9, the Apostle Peter is teaching us how Christians and friends should treat one another. His advice is to be all of one mind, to be unanimous in the belief of the same faith, and the practice of the same duties of religion. Peter even reminds us that the Christian’s calling is to invest ourselves in Christ as well as His glorious privileges granted to us, so it obliges us to attend to difficult duties.

Peter warns us not to return evil for evil or to rail for railing sake. We are called to the contrary, to bless others. So how do we bless our enemies as well as our friends?

Well, here is our prescription for a comfortable happy life in this quarrelsome ill-natured world. Peter quotes from Psalms 34:12-14. “If you earnestly desire that your life should be long, and your days peaceable and prosperous, keep your tongue from reviling, evil-speaking, and slandering, and your lips from lying, deceit, and dissimulation. Avoid doing any real damage or hurt to your neighbor, but be ever ready to do good. The control of the tongue, is the best way to make this life comfortable and prosperous; The avoiding of evil, and doing of good, is the way to contentment and happiness.

Wow, after all of these years, it is all about loving our enemies!


TIPS-27Easy to say, so hard to do.  How do we get along and love our enemies?

Check List√

Does your life, your words and actions reflect back those of Christ’s?

When we stand up to defend principles, how do you know they are right?

Does calm or chaos follow your interaction with others?

Do you resolve conflicts or create them?

Does how you speak to others draw them to you or away from you?

Would your enemy seek to know you better or to destroy you?

Can you defend the hope that is in you because of Christ to others?

Can you hold differing opinions with civility?


It’s All About Love

It is important to note here that Peter was not saying to put up with your enemy’s evil ways and be a victim.  Our enemies do nothing without God’s permission and are subject to God’s eventual judgment.  Peter is trying to tell us that as Christ suffered, we will no doubt suffer some too.  But our attitude, our ability to love one another as well as to be civil to our enemies is a powerful silent statement to the hearts of men.

Yes, we are many times called upon to fight evil.  The world is filled with it.  Peter is saying, that at least get a long with those who think alike, fellow Christian.  Then set an example for our enemies that we are civil people.  Civil but strong, willing to defend our freedoms and our faith.

“You need not be afraid of any thing they can do to strike with terror nor be concerned about the force of our enemies.”  Christ has given us His example so that we may have eternal joy.

Your tip, therefore, is to be aware that both those who love us and those who hate us are watching us.  Be a mirror so that both groups can see Christ at work in this world.