Scripture:
1 Peter 3:9 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.
Observation:
Peter lays out a list of behaviors that believers are supposed to exhibit. These behaviors seem opposite of how most people act and react. Yet, Peter states that for us to receive our blessing me must act opposite of how the world acts.
Application:
I must seek God’s wisdom as I react to others. The world sees things in a different way. The world does not look to God for direction, guidance or for its examples. The world’s view is that if someone does something bad to me they should be paid back in kind. The world expects people to act in this manner. But God wants me to act contrary to the world’s beliefs. I am to act differently, almost counter intuitive, to the way the world acts. I am supposed to react in love.
I must act according to how God wants me to act. I must act to please God, not man. Acting in a manner that is opposite of the way the world acts sets us apart and allows us the be the light that others see. I am called to be a light in a dark world. To reflect Jesus’ light and love not the world’s hate. To stand out. The thing about light is that even a faint light can be seen in complete darkness. When I stand out in darkness it allows others to see the path God wants us to take. I don’t know when others are looking at me and it should not matter. I am to act according the example that Jesus provided always.
Prayer:
Allow me the wisdom to do what is right in your eyes. Help me to be the light in the darkness. Help me to act according to your direction and guidance so that others realize what love looks like.