Benefits of Being A Blessing

1 Peter 2:8-12

8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For “ He who would love life and see good days,

Let him refrain his tongue from evil,

And his lips from speaking deceit.

11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;

Let him seek peace and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,

And His ears are open to their prayers;

But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil."

In this passage Peter list six key elements that should characterize any group of believers. I would like to talk about the last one in verses 9-12 about "Being a Blessing." In our fallen world it is deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. Peter, remembering Jesus example and his teaching about turning the other cheek, encourages his readers to pay back wrongs by "Being a Blessing." In God's kingdom revenge is an unacceptable behavior. Rise above getting back at those who want to hurt you. Instead of reacting angerily, "Be a Blessing." Peter tells us that those who turn from evil and pursue blessing will recieve several benefits.

• If you will "Be a Blessing" you will "Be Blessed" (v. 9)

God says if you bless them that curse you, you will inherit a blessing. This is a reaping what you sow principle. If you live a life of cursing people, you will be cursed. But if you live a life of blessing people you will be blessed. You will live life full of God's blessing.

• If you will "Be a Blessing " you will "Love Life" (v. 10)

You will enjoy your life and good will come to you. But if you don't life will be miserable to you.

• If you will "Be a Blessing" you will "Promote Peace" (v. 11)

People are looking for a fight. If you respond to a curse with a blessing it will promote peace and stop the fighting. Proverbs tells us that a gentle answer turns away wrath. You are called to be a peacemaker not a fighter.

• If you will "Be a Blessing" you will have "Presence and Prayers" (v. 12)

One of the great benefits of a being a blessing to others is that you will have God's blessing and favor, God's close presence with his help and grace, and God's answer to your prayers. God will be with you.

There are several benefits to being a blessing to people. It is easy to be a blessing to someone who blesses you. How hard is it to be a blessing to someone who hurts you? Jesus said if you bless our enemies and do good to them that you will heap burning coals upon their head. Jesus answer is to repay evil with good. Why don't you be a blessing?