Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 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 a blessing. - 1 Peter 3:8-9

 

 

At the heart of the gospel is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus reconciled us to God, redeeming what sin had broken. This redemptive story doesn't just offer us personal salvation; it transforms how we relate to others. In today's passage, Peter calls all believers to live in a way that reflects the grace and mercy we have received through Christ's sacrifice.

 

 

Peter urges us to be united in thought, tender-hearted, and humble. This unity and compassion are not abstract ideals but manifestations of the redemptive love we've received. By mirroring Christ's actions, we become living testimonies of the gospel. But Peter goes further, instructing us not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult. Instead, he calls us to bless others—even those who wrong us.

 

 

This call directly connects to the redemptive narrative of Christ. Jesus, when reviled, did not retaliate. On the cross, He bore the weight of humanity's sin, responding with love and forgiveness. His death turned the ultimate evil into the ultimate blessing—our salvation. In calling us to bless rather than curse, Peter invites us to participate in this redemptive work. By responding to evil with blessing, we reflect the heart of Christ, who turned the cross, a symbol of curse, into a symbol of redemption.

 

 

Dear Church, when we choose to bless, we align ourselves with God's transformative power. Our blessing becomes a reflection of the gospel, pointing others to the redemptive love of Christ. This call is challenging, but it is our calling. And Peter assures us that by blessing others, we position ourselves to receive God's blessing. 

 

 

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, - Matthew 5:44

 

 

Our world often reacts to offense with retaliation, but as followers of Christ, we are called to something higher. In blessing those who wrong us, we extend the grace we've received. We become vessels of God's love, drawing others to Him and sharing in the blessings of His kingdom. Let us bless our City of Beacon through our words and actions as we participate in Christ's ongoing work of redemption, reflecting His love and drawing others closer to God.