“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous, not returning evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9

Blessed to Bless

Over the last day or so I’ve read this phrase in correspondence and in the Word a couple of times. The Lord got my attention, especially reading it in the above verse.

In our Bible study, Loving Well, the biggest thing the Lord has burned into my heart is that I can’t love well without Him, being fully dependent on Him. In allowing my heart to be filled with His love in humility, only then am I able to love others well. This is our calling. We are blessed to bless those God puts in our lives, wherever He calls us to be, in whatever situation.

Our relationship with the Lord—whether we are reading His Word, praying, worshiping, or serving, when we are totally open and accepting His incredible, gracious love—only then are we able to share well with others. This is our sweet spot. Our joy and purpose. Though simple, this excites me. My first responsibility is spending time with Jesus and allowing Him to penetrate my stubborn heart and soul to change me from “glory to glory.”

In 1 Peter 4, Peter says that as Jesus suffered for us in the flesh, we are to be of the same mind, ready to not live for ourselves but for God, moment by moment. This is His will—to lay down my rights or reactions, put away my not-so-nice words, and ask for His words when just going through the day.

Also, in 1 Peter 3:10-12: “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it—for the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers.”

Wow! I need to seriously pay attention to my thoughts and speech, especially with the unsaved at work. They look and see my bad reactions, as well as the good. I need to pay attention and pray, because the LORD’s eyes are on me, and He will hear my prayer, clean my wretched heart, and give me His sweet answer that brings good into the situation, and brings His glory for His Kingdom!

“Lord, again I offer myself as a living sacrifice to be holy and pleasing to You, which is my call and reasonable service to You. Thank You for Your love that corrects, fills, and blesses us to bless others and love well. Amen.”