Contrary

"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." (1Peter 3:8-9 NKJ)

Blessings! Aren't they great? We like to be blessed. It is popular to claim blessings with great favor. And we sometimes confuse them with traps and temptations. In other words, what may look like good can be horror with a pretty face and all dressed up.

Yes, we all enjoy blessings. We all love blessings. We all welcome blessings. Yes, indeed! And in every way that blessings come, let them come. God is a good God! And all good things come from him. Praise him for each and every blessing!

It would benefit us all to think blessings. Blessings in the morning, blessings at noon, and blessings all day. From sunrise to bedtime, bless the Lord and think on blessings! Now, this is not just my ramble up and down Wishing Boulevard.

If we keep blessing as a mental focus, our lives will be enlivened. IF our focus throughout the day is blessings, we will look for blessings; we will give blessings; we will receive blessings. This is a phenomenon that is truly unexplainable. When we bless others, the blessing returns in multiplied ways.

Yet, the fallen human approach is to get, hoard, and render to others what they have rendered to us. Christians must not forget that Jesus said, "whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12 NKJ). Therefore, as for me and my house, we will bless the Lord and bless others.

Bless people with compassion. Bless people with love. Bless the brothers and sisters in the faith. Bless the hurting with pity. Bless the discourteous with courtesy and kindness. Bless those who render evil with peace and goodness. Bless those who reproach and criticize with acceptance and affirmation. This is contrary living, but it is what sows the seed of blessings and they are what we want to inherit.

Dear Father, thank you for blessings us with mercy instead of giving us justice. Empower us to bless and maintain a focused mind, spirit, and attitude of blessing. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be contrary today and bless everyone,