August 15

Smelling Like Smoke Today?

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-12

Song: “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

As Christians we can be joy-filled, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. Plain and simple, we can turn the other cheek—a very easy thing to say, but a very difficult thing to do. How we react to people when they sling dirt at us . . . well, that defines us.

The fact is, we don’t have to accept the invitation to every fight. Even if we have been betrayed, lied to, stolen from, and heartbroken. In other words, there has to come a time when we stop walking around smelling like smoke from the ones who burned us. We can stop trying to get even with those who have done us wrong and, instead, get even with those who have done us right.

The joy of the Lord, not anger, is our strength. We can hold our head high and our shoulders back when we come to this realization. And we will survive, because in our weakness He is strong.

Today will you join me in focusing on Jesus—the author and finisher of our faith? Say the name of Jesus in praise—out loud! There is power in that name. We were not put here to sit, soak, and sour. We were placed here to be different, to stand apart from the world as a witness to the greatness and goodness of the Lord. We cannot stand apart if we engage every battle.

Lord, help me to find peace with myself and with others. I need Your words to fill me up and help me to overflow. In Jesus’ name, amen.