Act Like Jesus

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.””
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:9-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus taught it this way: ““You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:43-44‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Behaving like Jesus takes the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We, as sinful humans, naturally want to retaliate when we are insulted or assaulted by others. It is difficult to stay calm and not react in a defensive manner. Can you imagine having an incident where someone rips into you and then, instead of confronting them, you say "bless you"? That is contrary to our fallen nature, but is in line with the person of Jesus Christ who lives inside the believer. On the cross, while hanging naked before the world, Jesus displayed divine character when He said "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" (see Luke 23:34). One of the criminals that was crucified beside Him asked Him to "remember me  when you came into your kingdom". Jesus responded with love that the world hadn't seen before, when He said, "today, you shall be with me in paradise" (see Luke 23:42-43). Keeping our tongue in check is most difficult when we feel mistreated. Working for peace is tough when we feel unjustly handled. However, we must lay down our lives for the sake of the Master. If we claim to belong to Him, let's strive to act like Him! God has promised blessing upon the lives of those who determine to act like Him. Today, no matter what you are dealing with, submit your will to His and let Him live through you! This is the answer!!