Extreme Blessing
Tuesday, February 23
“Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9
Prayer, fasting, and caring for the poor are traditional Lenten practices,
but putting our faith in action for the neighbor is not restricted to one
season. Blessing is another spiritual practice that our world could use
more of—not just the formal blessing at the end of worship, but everyday
kindness that reminds us of God’s presence among us. Responding to
evil with blessing is an extreme request—can we bring a word of grace
even in the midst of danger? Blessing is one of those things that grows
the more you give it away—as we give God’s goodness to others, we
experience the goodness of God ourselves.
God of grace, teach us to be grace that blesses others. Amen
Pr Lori Ruge-Jones, University Lutheran Church