PAYBACK
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)
I really like the idea of being of one mind, or living in harmony, or being in unity, with fellow believers and those who are close to me. But it seems that sometimes our opinions or preferences make it difficult to have unity, even with those we love. How can we move closer to being at peace with one another?
Have sympathy toward each other. Understand that there are issues and challenges each person is facing that may cause them to react in a negative way toward you. Seek to gain their perspective so you can be considerate in your responses.
Love each other like family. Even though others may say or do aggravating things, we are to think of them as brothers and sisters that we're not going to let go of. Even though we may disagree, let's seek to preserve our relationship. Though we're not joined by biological blood, we're a family of believers united by the blood of Jesus that covers all our sins.
What if someone tries to hurt or insult me? Pay them back with a blessing. Consider how God gave His only Son to die for us, to forgive us while we were still sinners. If God forgives me, then He can give me the perspective to forgive others. Whatever we give back to people is what will keep on going, and the results will fall on others. An evil payback will perpetuate dissension. But a kind payback will perpetuate unity.
What kind of world would we enjoy if more of us returned an insult with a kind, understanding compliment? We have a calling from God to do so.
APPLICATION: Ask God to bring to mind someone who has hurt or insulted you. Ask Him to show you what you can say or do to show kindness to them today.
PRAYER: Father, I confess my continual need for Your love and forgiveness, and I thank You for providing it freely. Give me Your heart of love and forgiveness toward others, and lead me to express Your kindness today. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?