Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9

Yea, you read it right. Repay evil with blessing. That’s not a suggestion but a command. As Christians we are called to constantly fight against our flesh and bless those that curse us. (Luke 6:28) Even the crazy driver that cuts you off in the construction zone. (Now I’m just talking to myself. That’s one of my biggest pet peeves!)

Christians were being persecuted when Peter was writing this, just as we get persecuted today. It’s obviously not the same persecution but the first thought that comes to my mind is Facebook. You know who I’m talking about. The person who posts hateful things about Christians all over their social media — our first instinct is to take offense. Don’t do it, that’s the flesh talking. Take those resentful thoughts captive and replace them with a blessing. It doesn’t feel right but as Christ followers, that’s what we do.

It came straight out of Jesus’ mouth, “pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44) The love Jesus had as He walked the Earth is the same love you have as a child of God. All you have to do is tap into that unconditional, heavenly love. Through prayer and calling on our Father, we have an unlimited access to all the love we need. Even for the out-of-control driver and hateful Facebook friend.