Why is it important to "inherit a blessing" by following 1 Peter 3:9? The Call to Bless, Not Retaliate “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.” (1 Peter 3:9) • God’s people are “called” to respond to wrongdoing with words and actions that impart blessing. • This is a deliberate, counter-cultural lifestyle patterned after Christ: “When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate… but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) • Returning good for evil fulfills Jesus’ own teaching: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) What Does “Inherit a Blessing” Mean? • Scripture uses inheritance language for the secure, unearned favor God stores up for His children. • “An inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4) • The blessing includes present grace—peace, joy, and freedom from bitterness—and a future reward kept by God. • Just as Abram was blessed “so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2), believers receive blessing in order to pass it on. Why Our Obedience Matters 1. It demonstrates family likeness. • “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) • Choosing blessing shows we are children of the Most High who “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” (Luke 6:35) 2. It frees us from the cycle of retaliation. • “Do not avenge yourselves… ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) • God assumes the role of just Judge; we are liberated to love. 3. It positions us for divine favor. • “The one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom… he will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25) Immediate Fruits of Choosing Blessing • Softening of hearts—yours and possibly your adversary’s. • A clear conscience, because you have acted in alignment with God’s command. • A testimony that adorns the gospel; outsiders see Christ’s character lived out. • Spiritual protection—bitterness and revenge open footholds for the enemy; blessing closes them. Eternal Rewards Tied to Blessing Others • Scripture connects present obedience with future reward: “Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.” (Luke 6:35) • The inheritance is “imperishable” (1 Peter 1:4) and far outweighs any earthly loss suffered by refusing to retaliate. • God remembers every act of obedience: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name.” (Hebrews 6:10) Living Out 1 Peter 3:9 Today • Guard your tongue: pause before responding and choose words that edify. • Replace retaliation with practical kindness—small acts that communicate God’s love. • Pray blessing over those who wrong you; ask God to prosper their soul and draw them to repentance. • Trust that God sees, records, and rewards every step of obedience, both now and in the age to come. By returning blessing for insult, we step into the very purpose for which we were called, share in Christ’s likeness, and secure an inheritance that will never fade. |
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