Discovering How to Be the Blessing
Living the Character of Christ in a Contrary World
“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.” (1 Peter 3:9)
“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22)
Introduction: The Power of a Different Response
We live in a world where retaliation is often glorified, where bitterness masquerades as strength, and where blessing someone who wrongs you seems like weakness. But for those called to follow Christ, we are called to a higher purpose—a purpose grounded not in how others treat us, but in how God has treated us. Blessing others—especially those who mistreat us—isn’t just Christian courtesy. It is Christ-like character.
It is the tangible expression of the Spirit at work in us. And it is exactly what the world needs to see to know that Jesus Christ is alive, powerful, and worthy to be followed.
1. Blessing Instead of Retaliating: The Higher Calling
In 1 Peter 3:9, the apostle Peter gives a sobering instruction:
“Do not repay evil for evil… but repay with a blessing.”
This isn’t just a suggestion for the spiritually mature; it’s the standard for anyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus. This verse echoes the very heart of Jesus, who, while suffering on the cross, prayed for His enemies,
“Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34).
To follow Christ is to follow in His footsteps—not just in miracles and glory, but in grace and restraint. Which brings us to the question, “Why bless those who harm us?”
Because it reveals the Spirit of Christ in us.
Because it distinguishes us from the world.
Because it shows that our hope and identity are not built on the shifting sands of human approval or treatment, but on the solid rock of God’s love.
2. The Character of God Is the Blueprint for the Believer
When Peter tells us to “repay with a blessing,” he is not just giving moral advice—he is pointing us to the nature of God Himself. God is not reactive; He is redemptive. He doesn’t wait for us to do good to be good to us. As Romans 5:8 says,
“God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”
This is echoed in Galatians 5:22, where Paul lists the fruit—the byproduct—of a life led by the Spirit of God:
“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness…”
These are not natural tendencies in a fallen world. These are supernatural virtues—heavenly fruit in earthly soil. To bless someone who has hurt us is to participate in divine nature. It’s not about ignoring wrongs, but about responding to them with the redemptive character of God.
3. To the Saints: Be Strengthened
Dear believer, you were not called to react—you were called to reflect. You reflect the God who saved you. Every time you respond with blessing, forgiveness, or patience, you declare,
“I am a child of God, and He lives in me.”
Whatever you are reflecting, that is the heart of you! Understand that this calling is not always easy, but it is eternal. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. Your obedience now becomes the soil of future inheritance. You’re not just surviving the attacks—you’re sowing for your eternal reward.
Let this be your encouragement: Your blessing is not wasted.
Every act of kindness, every refusal to retaliate, every word of hope you sow into hostility will return to you in God’s time and measure. Stay the course. Be the blessing.
4. To the Unbeliever: See Christ in His People
If you’re reading this and you’re not yet a follower of Christ, pause and think: What kind of God would ask His people not to retaliate, but to bless? What kind of love would do good to enemies, rather than seek revenge? This is the love of Christ—a love not dependent on merit, but on mercy. It’s the love that pursued you before you even considered God. The fact that you’re reading these words may be a sign that God is reaching for your heart right now.
You are not too far.
Not too dirty.
Not too broken.
The same God who blesses those who curse Him is waiting with open arms for you. Will you receive Him today?
5. To the Wanderer: Come Home
Maybe you once walked with God. Maybe you knew what it meant to serve Him, worship Him, and trust Him—but something caused you to walk away. Hurt. Hypocrisy. Disappointment. Or maybe just distance.
But hear this: God’s character has not changed.
He still blesses.
He still restores.
He still welcomes prodigals with a robe, a ring, and a feast.
He is not waiting to punish you.
He’s waiting to pour His love on you again.
So, COME HOME!—not to a building, but to a living, loving God who still sees purpose in your life. You were meant to be a blessing, and your journey isn’t over.
6. To the Seeker: Count the Cost—And the Worth
If you’re considering following Christ, you may be weighing what you’ll lose. But consider also what you gain:
Peace with God
The indwelling Spirit
An eternal inheritance
A new heart and a renewed purpose
A family of faith and the character of Christ
To live by blessing and not bitterness is countercultural—but it is liberating. It is what you were created for.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28,
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
The path is narrow, but the grace is wide. The invitation is real.
Final Words: The Blessing Cycle
The Kingdom of God operates on a cycle of blessing. You receive from God, you reflect Him to others, and you reap the inheritance He has promised. And when others see you blessing those who don’t deserve it, it becomes a living sermon of who God is. In a world of curses, be a channel of blessing. In a time of anger, be an ambassador of peace. And in a culture of retaliation, be a witness to redemption.
Final Encouragement
To the Believer:
Be strong. You were made to bless.
You carry the fruit of the Spirit.
What you sow in grace, you will reap in glory.
To the Unbeliever:
There is room at the table.
You don’t have to earn it—just receive it.
Say yes to the One who has already said yes to you through the cross.
To the Wandering:
The road back is still open.
You are not disqualified.
The Father sees you from afar—and He’s running toward you.
Prayer
Father of mercy and truth,
We thank You for being the God who blesses—faithfully, abundantly, and undeservedly.
We ask that Your Spirit would fill our hearts with the fruit of heaven:
love when hatred knocks,
peace when storms rage,
and grace when offense rises.
Help us to be like Jesus, who blessed even while being wounded.
Teach us not to return evil for evil, but to return love for wrong,
truth for lies, and kindness for cruelty.
Let our lives be living parables of Your goodness.
For the one who is far from You—draw them close.
For the one who is doubting—show them Your heart.
For the one who is broken—heal what only You can.
And for the one who is ready—seal them with Your Spirit and make them new.
We surrender our reactions and reclaim our calling:
To be a blessing.
To walk in Your character.
To reveal Your Son.
In the name above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Benediction
May you go forward today not as a mirror of this world, but as a reflection of Christ.
May the Spirit of God empower you to bless, even when it hurts.
May your life be a river of grace flowing into the dry places around you.
To the weary believer—may your strength be renewed.
To the wandering heart—may the path home be clear and welcomed.
To the seeking soul—may you find truth not in noise, but in the gentle voice of Jesus.
And to all—may the peace of God guard your heart and guide your steps,
Until every blessing you give is a testimony of the One who gave all for you.
Amen.
Grace & Peace
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Dr. John Roberts THD