1 Peter 3:8-12, John 16:25-40, Song 4:8-16, Jeremiah 51

Recall:
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. 1 Peter 3:8-9

Reflect:
Repay with a blessing. Turning the other cheek. We think of that as a sacrifice usually. But how liberating that idea is. I am called to be a blessing. I am not called to strike or to strike back. I don't have to worry about that. I think it probably takes as much, if not more, effort and energy to worry about defending ourself and retaliation as it would take to live in unity and sympathy and love and humility.

How would this work if we were to put it into practice in society?

Respond:
I'm going to memorize this verse this week. It is one to internalize and practice. My calling is to bless so that I might inherit my blessing.