Called to Bless Others

Reading: 1 Peter 3:8–12

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. 

On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.” 

1 Peter 3:9

Reflection:

We are called to bless even when it is hard. 

Our calling shines brightest in how we treat others.

In a world that often rewards retaliation and sharp words, God calls His people to a higher way. Writing to believers facing pressure and misunderstanding, Peter urges them to live “in harmony with one another,” to be compassionate, humble, and tenderhearted (1 Peter 3:8). Instead of mirroring the spirit of the age, we are invited to reflect the character of Christ, who answered hostility with mercy and suffering with forgiveness. Our calling shines most clearly when kindness is costly and grace feels undeserved.

Trevor Hudson reminds us that Scripture distinguishes between bios life—our fragile, temporary existence—and zoe life—the eternal life God gives through Christ. When we turn toward Jesus in trust, “the life of the Eternal One flows into and through us,” reshaping our hearts by gospel values. We begin to see people as Jesus sees them and to love as He loves. This zoe life enables what once seemed impossible: blessing our enemies, forgiving those who have hurt us, and refusing to let anger rule our spirits (Ephesians 4:26; Matthew 5:44). What we cannot produce by effort, God forms within us by His Spirit.

To bless others, then, is not weakness but spiritual strength flowing from Christ’s life within us. As we choose gentle words over harsh ones and forgiveness over resentment, we become living witnesses to God’s transforming grace. Scripture assures us that “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer” (1 Peter 3:12). Every act of kindness becomes part of His work of healing in a broken world. Today, let us look for simple ways to encourage, affirm, and extend grace, trusting that God will use even small acts to reflect His love.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your eternal life in Christ. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may see others as You see them and respond with compassion and peace. Teach us to bless even when it is hard, and make our lives instruments of Your grace and kindness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Footnote:

In the New Testament, two Greek words are often used for “life.” Bios refers to our physical, everyday existence—our work, routines, and material concerns. Zoē refers to the spiritual and eternal life that comes from God through Christ. Jesus came not merely to improve our bios, but to fill it with His zoē (John 10:10), so that our ordinary lives may be transformed by His divine life within us.

Practice:

Speak encouragement to someone today.