Who Wants to Inherit Blessings?

Do you pray for your enemies? As a Christian, seeking the welfare of others is not an option. There is gain for each of us by loving our opposition.

“For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God, for you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:20–21 NASB).

A major theme of the New Testament is to not be overcome with evil, rather overcome evil with good. We are called to love our enemies.

Simply, with the wonderful privileges Christians expect to enjoy, come obligations to others and to God. We do live in a hostile world, one in which we don’t strike back. Rather, we seek the well-being and prosperity of others.

Peter tells us that when we do this, we inherit a blessing. The world tells us to strike back, but we gain the Lord’s favor when we are obedient.

If we don’t grieve the Holy Spirit, then God is open to our prayers (1 Peter 3:12). Perhaps, this is why your prayers are going unanswered today. Are you nursing a a grudge or spiteful thought against another?