Daily Devotion - March 26, 2024

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 blessing. (1 Pet. 3:9)

As we live in this fallen world, so full of imperfect people, much can frustrate and even anger us. As we consider the progress of political opponents, the slights of family members, or the betrayals of friends, the human impulse is always to respond in kind. 

The grace that Jesus displayed toward his enemies and us who continue to betray him, sets a different pattern. To repay evil for evil is to become evil. Plotting how to revile those who have reviled us lets their sin control our words and thoughts. 

Treating others with mercy and forgiveness is not merely for their good, but for our own blessing. Ruminating on how to pay others back for their evil, or how to answer insults, can preoccupy our thoughts and invade our sleep. 

When we focus on our hurts more than our Help, we sour our joy by drinking from dregs of distilled rage. Every day tastes bitter because we lick our wounds until their poison fills our hearts. That’s why bitterness is the acid that eats its own container.  

It has been said that holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison to hurt someone else. Jesus provides different drink. As we bless those who curse us, we discover more of the heart of One who was cursed to bless us. 

When we forgive as we have been forgiven, we radiate Christ’s love and experience it. Forgiveness is not easy, but is blessed. It’s not possible, but by Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, you call me to forgiveness that is beyond me to teach me more of the Savior who loves me. Fill me with his grace to forgive as I have been forgiven. And when I struggle to do as Jesus did, forgive me and give me more of Jesus.