How to Receive a Blessing

“Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse, but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you may receive a blessing.”  1 Peter 3:9 MEV

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I wish I could tell you how the discussion got started. My husband and I were in the midst of a “heated” discussion that seemed to get more “heated” with every turn of the conversation. All I remember is what seemed like a small disagreement turned into a full-blown war in enemy territory. Words, from each of us, were thrown like daggers. Then, before we knew it, these chilling words were hurled “Oh, I see how it is. I’ll be sure to use that excuse the next time something like this comes up.”  Almost immediately after those words were spoken, the silence in the car was deafening.

Wow! How did we get here? How did we get this far in this disagreement? I’m sure neither of us meant for this discussion to go this far south.

Isn’t it just crazy how a simple discussion can turn into a fatal war zone between you and your spouse? Oh, it was never meant to turn out this way, but he said this and you said that and before either of you knew what was happening, BAM – you feel as if you are in enemy territory.

Our key verse has some guidance for us when things in our marriage are a little rocky. “Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse, but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you may receive a blessing.”  1 Peter 3:9

Friend, this is a great reminder. We don’t have to have the final say in an argument. We are not called to repay evil for evil – We are called to offer blessing. Did you see that? To “this” we are called. What is “this” that Peter tells us we are called to do? We are called to bless others instead of getting them back or cursing them.

I don’t know about you but this puts a different spin on it when I realize that I am called to be a blessing to others, especially my husband. It is the high road that I should take when we are having a disagreement. It is the moment that I need to realize that this argument doesn’t need to give place for the enemy to put a wedge between my husband and me. My marriage is worth much more than receiving the “I got the last word” trophy. Dear friend, your marriage is worth much more also!

Tony Evans is quoted to say, “in order to receive a blessing, you need to be a blessing.”

Who wants to receive blessings? I do and I know you do as well.  The way we start is by being a blessing even when it is hard to do. Sweet friend, especially when it is hard to do.


Oh God,

Thank you for your wisdom and guidance found in your word. Forgive me for allowing my emotions to get carried away and for the argument that we had. Teach me how to be a blessing to my husband even when we don’t see eye to eye on things. Help me to love like you love and to be a blessing even when it is hard. With you all things are possible. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Dig Deeper:

“Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious, and be kind.”


Reflection:

When do you find it difficult to be a blessing to your husband? Journal and ask God for his help.