Repayment

You may find this hard to believe, but often people do not agree with me. Most of the time it is just a small difference of opinion. I often find that I just don’t understand their point of view, nor can I adequately explain my opinion. Other times I find myself the target of harsh words due to a disagreement.

What action should I take when I am unjustly, at least in my mind, treated due to my opinions? I Peter 3:8-9 gives me direction when it says, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”

So rather than escalating the disagreement by returning harsh words for harsh words, God calls me to bless the one who disagrees with me. Furthermore, He expects me to do this out of a tender heart, brotherly love, and a humble mind. Since He has instructed me to respond in this way, I can trust Him to give me the strength and grace necessary. That is just part of the blessing that these verses promise.