9 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.
Treating others with actions and attitudes that will bless them is very difficult on our own. For many of us, we match attitude and action with those we are receiving. If we get hit, we hit back. If someone puts us down, we likewise put them down. This is our standard reaction. But Peter challenges us to react and act in accordance with the blessing we will receive from God. He challenges us to a much higher code of conduct. It is not something that comes naturally, because our natural reaction is to exchanges hurts. But God calls us to bless always, because He is always blessing. Even in circumstances where God is punishing us the punishment will bring about blessing in our lives. Our new goal is blessing. No matter what gets thrown at us, we must return something that will bring about blessing in their lives. Our motives for action and attitude must be to bless the other person. As you act today, consider how you can bless those you meet. On the eve of our celebration of Jesus’ birth, remember His blessing poured out for us. Remember it and bless others.
The Arnold Journey 