Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 24, 2024: SOAP #5347: Isaiah 40-42; 1Peter 3

SCRIPTURE:  1Peter (NIV) 3:9 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.

OBSERVATION: Peter gives some instructions on how we are to live.  Here he tells us to return evil and insults with blessings!!  This one may be—no, will be difficult for us. But I can see four reasons why it is possible, and why we should do it. 

One:  We should not take the scriptures as suggestions, but as commands. 
Two:  Doing this is following the example of Jesus. 
Three:  Consider the promise to those who return evil and insults with blessings.  The scriptures promise that they will inherit a blessing!  A blessing promised in the Bible is worth going after!  If we feel like we are short on receiving blessings, here is a good place to start.  We can plant seeds of blessings which will bring a harvest of blessings! 
Four:  The same Holy Spirit that dwelt in Christ on the earth, now dwells in us.  He who enabled Jesus to live like this can enable us to live this!  We do not have to do this in our own power.  God is not telling us to do something that He is not willing to do through us!  

APPLICATION:  When someone forgets us, or ignores us, we can bless them.  When someone drives their car into the parking place we were waiting for, we can bless them.  When someone takes credit for our hard work, we can bless them.  When someone speaks evil of our plans, we can bless them. 

Then we can start looking for the blessings that God sends our way. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, I am going to need your help in this.  Jesus, I need you to be Jesus in me.  May I step back and let you live your life in and through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon