Now and then something trips me up. No, not physically, but so to speak, literally and figuratively, no pun intended. But if a horse can stumble with four legs, I most certainly can too with one mouth … 

You see, we very easily talk about other people who said this or that or did this and that. Before long, we have a talkfest going about other people, and soon it’s not a pretty sight. 

Peter is such a fool; did you see what he did? And did you hear what Susan said again? She should know it opens the door of her heart.  

In the process, the other person’s character is dragged through the mud and our considered opinion of that person is daa=maged. I wonder why we do this. Is it because it makes us feel a little better about ourselves? 

Hence the proposal. If you can’t say anything positive about someone, don’t say anything at all. Then you don’t hurt anyone, and you don’t try to make out you’re better than the other person. 

Actually, this is an order from Above: 9… No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 

Oops! I see the command is not only to say nothing bad but indeed to say things too. And actually, the original language says even more: that we must bless others. We must do this sincerely. 

We must speak the Lord’s blessing over them. Yes, even if other people throw a bunch of ugly words at you, you must still, without any ulterior motives, say that you pray for God’s mercy and peace for them. 

Yes, may it go well with you and may our Father bless you abundantly! 

I realize it’s not easy, but I am convinced that God will not give us an assignment we cannot fulfil. Yes, on our own we won’t be able to do it, but if we invite God’s Spirit along, we will succeed. 

When we get it right, we will also be blessed, and it’s not me who says so, but God’s Word: You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 

No, God is not dependent on our actions to bless us. It’s the wonder of God that He still wants to bless us, even if we sometimes stumble by not saying nice things about people. 

However, let us take the command seriously and not only bless others with God’s blessing but also do good to them. Remember, we deserve it just as little as they do.  

Scripture
1 Peter 3:8-11 

Reflection
Where have you stumbled by talking about others?
How can you manage to say only nice things about others?
Where can you do good to others? 

Prayer
Father, thank you for everything You do for me. Thank you for Your blessing on my life. I ask that Your Holy Spirit show me where I can also be good to others. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.