Sharing our Blessings

"Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9

Have you noticed that there are a surprising number of angry and upset people in the world?  They are like ticking time bombs, and most of the time, they are more than willing to tell you who or what they are upset about. You can find them at customer service counters of our local businesses, in the restaurants the at we eat in every week, in all levels of our government. And yes. . . even in our churches. I'm not sure why there are so many angry people but they seem to vent in all kinds of ways. . . especially on Facebook (in case you hadn't noticed). We seem to be surrounded by angry and upset people. . . we are confronted constantly with negative thoughts and ideas. But here's a novel idea. . .how about if we give up angry venting during the season of Lent. . . what if we give up reading people's angry rants on Facebook during the season of Lent. . . what if we respond back with love to those we personally encounter who are angry?

1 Peter tells us all about keeping a positive attitude and not being a mean, nasty, vindictive, hateful person.  "Don't return evil for evil".  We should not be nursing our wounds and plotting how to tell "so and so a thing or two". 

We are encouraged to be of one mind--sympathetic, loving one another and humble.  Being argumentative and combative is what drove Jesus to be on the outs with the religious hierarchy.  Anger is rightly considered to be one the Deadly Sins.  There is no life and no relationship possible when anger, vengeance and vindictiveness reside in our hearts.

So, work on being a blessing and sharing the blessings.  Work as hard finding blessings you can give to others as you might spend being angry. 

• What kinds of things bless you or what helps you feel blessed?
• Look for the good things in life, be a "half full" kind of person.
• How can you bring a positive outlook on things?
• Today, do something thoughtful for someone who might not expect it from you.

PRAYER:  Lord, please help us put aside our hot tempers and with humility may we walk the way of being a blessing in this world. Amen.