Blessing: I Peter 3:8-9

1 Peter 3:8-9

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 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.

"It is for this that you were called."

Those are really words to give you pause, aren't they?

Do we often think of our selves in those terms - as being called for a purpose?

And that that purpose is to inherit, and based on this text, also to provide, blessing?

We are used to thinking in terms of blessing as good fortune and things that we have. We have good, well-behaved children.

Or have come into some money or some kind of windfall.

Or our family is problem free.

Or we have a great new job.

But what if blessing is something we do or is done TO us, rather than simply something wonderful we have. And that something done to us often comes at the time we least expect it?

What if blessing is the state of being at peace - or proclaiming peace - even in the midst of chaos?

What if blessing is proclaiming hope to the lost?

What if blessing is declaring "you are loved and I am loved."

What if blessing is laying on a gentle hand to calm a frightened soul?

That kind of blessing is the kind of blessing that brings unity.

Who can you declare that kind of blessing to today?

Bless and keep me, Lord, and help me do blessing to others. Amen.