In last week’s post, “The Defense Rests,”  we talked about giving up our self defense and allowing God to handle it.

But wait. There’s more.

Leaving room for God’s wrath isn’t enough. The apostle Peter leads us to action in 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV), “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

Note God sweetens the deal, ‘cause we’ll probably need the extra motivation.

Blessing for evil. Hugs for hatefulness. Love for looks that could kill.

How? Where do we start? Here are a few thoughts.

Acknowledging the feelings behind the hurtful words or actions.

Asking God to reveal the root of bitterness so our understanding is better.

Remembering the evil one uses people as his tools and that the real battle may be with him.

Every scenario is different. We can trust God to lead us accordingly.

Sweet for sour. Minty cool composure for red hot tempers. He will provide what we need.

Has a face popped into your head? That special someone who pushes your buttons? Let’s start praying about our response now. If we wait until we are in the heat of the moment, we’ll respond—heatedly.

Let your defense rest in Him, and repay evil with blessing.

Because to this you were called.

Questions:

List some insults, hurtful words, and painful actions. Create comebacks that bless instead of curse.

What pushes your buttons? Why?

How can you neutralize the buttons?

Tweetables:

Blessing for evil. Hugs for hatefulness. Love for looks that could kill. Click To Tweet
Sweet for sour. Minty cool composure for red hot tempers. He will provide what we need. Click To Tweet
Let your defense rest in Him, and repay evil with blessing. Because to this you were called. Click To Tweet