Bless others. We’ve all been there—maybe a coworker cut us down with harsh words, a family member said something that stung, a friend disappointed us with unkindness or a complete stranger was just nasty for no reason at all. Our natural response is to defend ourselves, fire back, or even hold tight to resentment.
But in 1 Peter 3:9, Peter reminds believers that when these heated, challenging moments come, we are called to something different. He writes that we are not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but instead we are called to bless. Peter says, that’s our job—to bless. And when we live as a blessing to others, we ourselves will be blessed.
Being a blessing means showing kindness, compassion, humility, and love. It means letting the joy, peace, and strength of Jesus shine through our words and actions.
This week, let’s fulfill the calling to be a blessing. When others are unkind, let’s choose to be the light of Christ—remembering that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.
1 Peter 3:9 (MSG)
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
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Written by
Lane and Jules Morris
Authors and University of Tennessee faculty writing from our farm in East Tennessee about gardening, the farm kitchen, faith and designing a flourishing life at any age. More about us
