To be able to return a blessing for an insult there needs to be forgiveness. An unforgiving and hardened heart cannot give a blessing for an insult.
We cannot talk about forgiveness without going to Jesus on the Cross. God accepted the Cross to make forgiveness possible and to model forgiving to an unforgiving world. The Christ of the Cross is our great example. Do you know Him? Have you experienced His forgiveness?
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. DO NOT REPAY evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, BLESS, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” - 1 PETER 3:8-9
We can only forgive others who have hurt or injured us by word or deed when we forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven us.
Forgiveness is only finally complete when the severed friendship has been mended and returning a blessing for an insult can be an important step on the road to reconciliation.
We are powerless to change another person, but by giving a blessing for an insult we can influence one towards a softening of heart which can ultimately lead to reconciliation.
If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the One who died for your sins to be forgiven so that you can forgive, please pray the following prayer with me:
“Dear Lord Jesus, I want to be in a personal relationship with You. Thank you for forgiving my sins by dying on the Cross for me. Please come into my life and make me the person you would like me to be. Empower me to forgive others like you have forgiven me. Thank you, Jesus. Amen."
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