Blessings for reviles

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. Yes, bubbling. We bless God for His goodness, grace, mercy, favor and love.

Primary Text

“And we still toil unto weariness [for our living], working hard with our own hands. When men revile us [would us with an accursed sting], we bless them. ...” 1 Corinthians 4v12 (AMP)

Paul here shows how the apostles were not only hardworking, but their attitude towards the reviles and persecutions of men. When someone reviles you, it means to “use abusive or scornful language against” you. That can be tough, and perhaps if you respond in the flesh, you may want to give them back in the same way. But we thank God for Spirit of God on the inside of us, making us more like Jesus, who was able to say “… Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…” (Luke 23v34, KJV). Paul said, when men revile them, they bless them. The Bible tells us “Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God – that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].” (1 Peter 3v9, AMP)

Supplementary Text

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5v15 (NIV)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word and for Your Spirit in us and with us. We pray indeed that according to Your Word we would not render evil for evil, railing for railing, but will be quick to forgive and to bless others, even those who hurt us, in Jesus name, amen.