Repay with a Blessing

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.” (NRSVUE)

We are living in very troubling times. The flashpoint in the United States are events unfolding in Minnesota, where Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed by ICE agents and, just yesterday, someone sprayed an unknown substance on Representative Ilhan Omar. But addition to strife at home, there is unrest in Iran suppressed by deadly force and continuing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. It is frightening and dispiriting for the vast majority of us who want peace for ourselves and our neighbors.

It is very easy to blame those we consider responsible and to take sides in what seems like an ultimate battle between the forces of good and evil. I know that I have strong opinions on the matter. But no matter how angry I get or how much injustices eat me up inside, I know I must resist falling into the trap of hatred.

Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek when someone slaps you. He taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. These are not acts of fear or capitulation but acts of courage and defiance in the face of evil.

The First Letter of Peter makes a similar point. The Letter’s primary topic is how we respond to suffering. It calls for endurance, which it sees as a virtue. It says, “Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.”

When we repay abuse with blessing, we are not just curing ourselves of anger and hatred that can rot out our souls. We do not just confound our enemies and expose their wickedness. We actively bring blessings into the world. In the current strife in Minneapolis and other cities in the United States, people have confronted ICE agents, impeded them in detaining people without due process, and refused to back down when threatened with force. But the actions that have moved my heart most are when people have brought cool water or donuts or coffee to them. It is a recognition that even when we disagree vehemently with each other, there is still a humanity that demands love, just as Jesus and Peter taught us.

Today we need more blessings in the world. Like Jesus’ turning of the cheek, blessing is not a sign of capitulation or some empty feel-good gesture. It is an act of resistance. It is saying no to hatred. It is saying that I will treat you like a human needing care, support, and understanding, even if I feel that you do not treat me the same way. It is refusing to let evil win or to allow whataboutism to spiral into an “eye for an eye” world where everyone is left blind.

When you see a horrific story in the news or on your social media feed, you are allowed to fear sadness and anger on a deep level. But don’t let those feelings descend into hatred. Love must be the greatest form of action, especially when everything is falling apart. Be a blessing and you will find that will find blessings in return.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, bring peace and justice to my community. And let my actions be guided by love and courage in equal measures, just as you taught me. Amen.

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