1 Peter 3:8-12 ~ Do not repay evil for evil, but on the contrary, bless, for this you were called, you may obtain a blessing

1 Peter 3:8-12

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8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 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. 10 For

“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Difficult words to remember in the middle of conflict. The Lord doesn't ask us to do the impossible.

Today was a pressure-cooker day. It is soothing to remember yesterday's message of Zechariah. A priest who didn't react with love and act correctly to the Angel of the LORD. The Angel's response to Zechariah wasn't a pat on the back, a warm/fuzzy hug. The Angel told Zechariah he would be made silent, until the Lord's words were fulfilled.

The Lord did not abandon Zechariah, who was righteous before Him. When God, our Father, makes a judgment, He has made the correct judgment.

When we are hard-pressed to make a wrong judgement to make "our lives smoother", a harsh reply is sometimes needed. Today I raised my voice in anger, for a long time, to an attorney who wanted me to sign an incomplete list, false in my opinion, to make a deadline. My mother has told me she was embarrassed, & she asked me never to raise my voice again. Words were exchanged about the possibility of continued employment for the attorneys for this Estate.

My husband & I spoke about emotion, later. Emotion isn't bad in and of itself, when truth is discussed. Anger and false words, exaggeration to make a point - lying to make an argument easier - that's wrong. Vengeance is wrong. Going out of the way to criticize or belittle someone.


Ephesians 4:26
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger


Mark 3:4-6
4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

Tomorrow is an opportunity for a new start. Not compromised principles, not being led to lie. An opportunity to speak calmly, to listen, to decide. Father God is filled with mercy for us. Sometimes we may be called to leave situations and people behind us, but God is in control. He will sort out all of His creation, His children. We can only be in charge of our reactions, not others.

2 Chronicles 20:15
He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.


Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I have worked as the Guardian for my elderly cousin Maxine for 11 years, she has gone to be with the Lord in April. Your prayers would be appreciated. For her family, the 58 cousins who receive her worldly goods, as a blessing. Thanksgiving and gratitude to have been helped from the family. Continued prayer for the work of my hands to be a blessing to them. For the Lord to lead the path!



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