To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps…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 2:21, 3:9 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, when I read these verses something stirs within me, a resistance to them. My soul asks the questions, “What about me? What about how I feel? What about the impact that their actions have on me?” And as I reflect upon those who I believe have mistreated me, who I know I am called to love and pray for (Matthew 5:44), who have relationally struck me in the face (Luke 6:29), I must confess that these words hurt, and there is something inside me that cries out, “I don’t want to!” Something within me wonders why they are getting off the hook.
Yet You, my King, are my example. You have shown me through Your sacrifice what it means to truly love. It is easy to love those who treat me well. Yet, that is not my calling this morning or any morning. It is to love. Period You made it clear when You declared, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them (Luke 6:32)” The challenge is not loving those who treat me the way I want to be treated. It is loving those who do not. And frankly, I’m struggling with that this morning. In my head I feel like I must hold my tongue, allow folks to trample on me, and not defend myself. And it doesn’t feel fair. Yet, You did that for me. When I faltered and mistreated Your people You forgave in spite of me. That’s what grace looks like. And I want to look like that.
Help me today to be like You. Help me to turn the other cheek, endure hardships, suffer for righteousness’ sake, and love unconditionally. Help me to be Your representative in the room, reminding myself of what You would do, how You would see the situation, and how You would glorify the Father by Your actions. Help me to serve You through my suffering, to bless the unworthy, pray for the unforgiving, and die for the unworthy. My life is not my own. It is Yours. Use me to bring others to You to Your glory. Amen.