Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1Pe 3:9 NIV)

These words take us right into this our world. There we are drawn into the horrible conflicts with the children of this world and tempted to respond in kind pitting insult against insult and answering evil with evil too. Christians are provoked by their inherent natural bent towards retaliation too. Yes, revenge in word and deed is a serious temptation for us following Christ too. That is why the holy Apostle takes sides so clearly against this negative tendency and temptation, showing the better alternative in the salvific way opened by Christ to us following him and trusting in his superior ways and gracious promises. Christians have a higher calling and should walk the high road of Christ’s example – not dropping down to the levels of worldly evil – even if there’s always the danger of falling right down there very quickly.

Christians are called to inherit the divine blessing. At the end of time and at the last judgment they are to hear the gracious and sweetest words of God, receiving them in salvation and eternal bliss. Just think how a good word of encouragement and motivation from above does to suffering and downcast people. Then imagine what a comfort and upliftment these words of the highest authority and absolute Judge carry for us and all tired pilgrims, who are struggling to keep the faith in this our tempted and assaulted life! He has promised to invite us in with these wonderful words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Mat 25:21 NIV) Doesn’t that prospect move your heart to joy and great expectation? Then don’t repay evil with evil nor insult with insult. Remember you are Christ’s own. Follow him and his way +

Lord Jesus Christ – our savior and redeemer: Help that we don’t align ourselves to this world. Prevent us from repaying evil with evil or insult with insult. Let us not follow the alluring ways of this world or the insinuations of the evil one. Rather grant us a rich measure of your grace, that we follow your example and bless even our enemies and wish well, where we have been insulted and aggrieved. May we inherit your blessings and enter your eternal joy and peace. Amen.  

Be faithful in your love towards God, who loved you from the beginning. Practice to be good to your neighbour even if he’s hurt and insulted you wrongly. Remember your saviour and how he interceded for his enemies! So lift your eyes up to him crucified and learn to live faithfully like him+   (Benjamin Prätorius, 1636-1674)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Monday after the fifth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 251 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.