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A Different Way

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. – 1 Peter 3:8-9

Have you ever noticed how often scripture addresses the way we are to behave toward one another? These instructions are repeated often because they are calling us to a way of living that is not natural. By natural I mean not in line with the common inclinations to which we, as sinful human beings, naturally lean. Often our first response, a response that is ‘instinctive’, comes from our human brokenness. We want to hurt those who’ve hurt us. We want to repay in kind what we have received. There’s no shortage of examples in this world of just how we should act toward those who insult us.

And paying them back with a blessing isn’t what first comes to mind. Admit it.

So God, through the writers of scripture, makes a habit of showing us a different way. However, in order for this way to become our default response in times of stress, affliction, persecution or pain we must become intimately familiar with this different way. Not just vaguely aware, no, it’s important that we internalize, absorb, if you will, God’s way. Even this is beyond our grasp. So God has graciously blessed us with his Holy Spirit who lives in us, instructs us, reminds us and motivates us to live in a way that is different from the world. Listen, then, when those times arise and be of one mind... the mind of Christ as revealed by His Spirit living in all who believe. And go a different way.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, by your Holy Spirit give me pause to consider the way in which you would have me go when opportunities arise to respond to evil. And strengthen me to follow your way. Amen.