Don’t do wrong to anyone to pay them back for doing wrong to you. Or don’t insult anyone to pay them back for insulting you. But ask God to bless them. Do this because you yourselves were chosen to receive a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9 ERV
This verse encapsulates the Christian attitude toward forgiveness and non-retaliation. Although the Christian attitude toward forgiveness, non-retaliation, and blessing in the face of mistreatment may appear foolish or impractical to the world. However, it is deeply rooted in God’s wisdom and love. It challenges believers to embody sacrificial love and trust in God’s justice, serving as a potent testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.
Christianity is more than a label; it’s a reflection of our character, actions, and attitudes. The apostles were first called Christians not because of their attire or miracles, but due to their Christ-like behaviour.
The question we should ask ourselves daily is, “Do I reflect Christ in all I do?” How do we handle insults and hatred from others? Do we bless and pray for those who persecute our faith? Remember, Jesus didn’t promise a trouble-free journey. According to Matthew 10:22, others may hate us because of His name. Instead of seeking personal vengeance, the verse encourages believers to ask God to bless those who wrong or insult them. This demonstrates a profound trust in God’s justice and sovereignty. By asking God to bless those who mistreat us, we acknowledge that ultimate justice rests in God’s hands, not ours.
The verse discourages responding to wrongs or insults with more of the same. This teaching aligns with the biblical principle of turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and underscores the importance of forgiveness and non-retaliation. Rather than seeking revenge, the verse encourages believers to respond with grace and mercy.
Jesus Christ, our ultimate role model, exemplified this for us. When insulted and mistreated, He didn’t retaliate but entrusted Himself to God (1 Peter 2:23). Christians are called to mirror Christ’s response to suffering and persecution, marked by love and forgiveness.
In conclusion, the essence of Christianity is reflecting Christ in our actions and attitudes, especially when faced with adversity. It’s about responding with love, forgiveness, and blessings, even when people wrong or insult us. This not only demonstrates our trust in God’s justice but also serves as a powerful witness to the transformative message of the Gospel. Let’s strive to live out this truth daily, remembering that we have an inheritance with God.
