THURSDAY October 1, 2026
Will You Inherit a Blessing?
...not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9
Christians all over the world have gone through the most horrendous persecution at the hands of evil men. The atrocities committed against them are unthinkable. Imagine having your loved ones murdered right in front of your eyes! How we need to have compassion for other believers who have endured so much hatred.
As we move forward into verse 9, Peter continued to teach us how to have self-control, and how not to respond to hostile people when we are being persecuted and prosecuted. It is in our very nature to repay evil for evil. When I look at our country's history, when our forefathers gave us the Constitution of United States, they gave us freedom: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble, and freedom to petition. Yet it is God who has ultimately given us freedom––freedom from sin. Jesus said: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
In some of our states, the governing authorities are, trying to take away our freedoms, little by little; parental rights and the right to bear arms are constantly under attack. Legislators, lawmakers and other civil groups in America are using legislation to continue fighting for freedom. Yet we are living in the Last Days, where things are becoming worse and worse. There may come a day when those in authority may even arrest you. If that happens, do not fight or struggle. Calmly allow the wrongdoing––surrender and do not retaliate. You were called to this! Think rationally and spiritually. We are not to act violently, but in love and peace. If we are killed, then we will be in the presence of the Lord! The faithful Christian martyrs knew as they died that they would inherit a blessing––eternal life.
We must all have the spirit of martyrdom, though we may not all die martyrs.
~George Whitefield~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
