Good Morning!

Never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection]. For, “The one who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not], must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit).”  -1 Peter 3:9-10

Because of sin and us being part of a fallen world it is human nature to get defensive when wronged or insulted and respond with retaliation or an insult back. The awesome part of being a Christian is that we have access to a God that can pull us above that, that can help us not succumb to the temptations of retaliation or insulting. For like the verse above says, if we want to enjoy life and have good days we cannot allow ourselves to be sucked into the something that will make us bitter and feel unhappy with ourselves. No matter if we feel we are justified in doing it, there is never a good feeling that comes out of it, there is never true fulfillment that comes from it, and there is never anything long term gained by it. How awesome is the feeling when you are expected to but choose not to respond in a way that is defensive or insult in a time when you are ‘justified’ to? You can walk away from the situation knowing that God was just present and helped you defy the odds.

“An eye for an eye only makes the world blind.”  -Gandhi

“You don’t have to disrespect and insult others simply to hold your own ground. If you do, that shows how shaky your own position is.”  -Red Haircrow

Dad Joke of the Day:

I dreamt I was swimming in an ocean of orange soda.

But it was just a Fanta sea.

Have a great Wednesday!