Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)

Called To Be A Blessing

When a man obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are called to a higher calling. The idea of a calling is how a man uses the blessings given to him for the glory of the one who has blessed him. There is no greater gift God has given to the world than the sacrifice of His Son and, through His Son, eternal life. Those who embrace the calling of God must live a life of blessing to others. This calling begins with self. If there is no joy in being a Christian, there will be no joy to share with others.

Peter knew the heartache of denying the Lord. The apostle writes to the dispersed Christians to show Jesus in their lives by being of one mind, sympathizing with others, and loving those in the body of Christ as brothers and sisters. Obeying the gospel is to have sins washed away but also to recreate the person’s life to be a light to others. Salvation is not totally wrapped up in one act but the actions of a lifetime. Jesus died for sinful men to let them be a blessing in a dark world.

The Christian is tenderhearted and humble. That is in contrast to a world that is harsh and proud. Being called to be a blessing shows how Christ changes the pride of the heart to a love for others with tenderness and humility. The remnant of God’s people is the salt that flavors the world with its love for God and compassion for others. Salt is very small, but it has a tremendous taste. A small amount of salt can make a difference. Salt is a blessing to a juicy steak that is medium rare and steaming. The life of a Christian must be a blessing to others.

There is a negative side to how God wants His people to act. Returning evil for evil is not being a blessing to others. The world expects if a man is confronted and challenged, he should respond in kind, if not with greater force. A Christian is a blessing by not repaying an evil act with more evil. If someone is verbally accosted, the blessing of the Christian is not to return in kind. Jesus was severely treated with evil and contempt; and He never responded in kind. He was a blessing to those who saw a humble man refuse to react with vengeance and anger. The centurion realized when Jesus died that He truly was a righteous man.

It is hard to be a blessing, but training the heart, soul, and mind to show a tender spirit without the revenge of worldly wisdom is how each Christian is a blessing. First, love is shown toward the family of God. When the world brings its heavy burden of sin, the Christian becomes a blessing by offering forgiveness and kindness. God wants His people to be a blessing in every part of their lives. Jesus died and suffered so that His citizens would be a blessing. This can only be done by making God’s word the day’s first blessing. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Be a blessing to the family of God. Learn how to be a blessing to the world. You are called to be a blessing. Let the calling of the Lord Jesus Christ change your heart to show Christ to others. The world needs more blessings. Let it begin at the house of God.