Our texts of devotion are taking from 1 Peter 3 verses 7 to 9 and it reads:

[7] Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

[8] Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

[9] Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

MESSAGE

    Mary Marty retells a parable from the Eye of the Needle newsletter: "A holy man was engaged in his morning meditation under a tree whose roots stretched out over the riverbank. During his meditation he noticed that the river was rising, and a scorpion caught in the roots was about to drown. He crawled out on the roots and reached down to free the scorpion, but every time he did so, the scorpion struck back at him. An observer came along and said to the holy man, 'Don't you know that's a scorpion, and it's in the nature of a scorpion to want to sting?' To which the holy man replied, 'That may well be, but it is my nature to save, and must I change my nature because the scorpion does not change its nature?'"

    This passage offers a rich blueprint for Christian relationships, beginning in the home and extending into the wider community of faith. Peter instructs husbands to live with their wives in an understanding and honouring way, by showing emotional sensitivity, spiritual partnership, and shared dignity, while recognising them as co-heirs of God's grace, so as to avoid the consequence of hindered prayers.

    Itemising the qualities expected among Christian communities as, having unity of mind, sharing in each other's struggles, loving one another as a family, having tender heart and humble mind, Apostle Peter concludes by giving the challenge of "not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing..." a character trait that exemplifies Christ who blessed those that crucified Him.

    Therefore, whether in marriage or family, we are to commit to treating others with understanding and grace. We are not to respond to insults, betrayals, or mistreatment with vengeance. Instead, we are to bless, speaking well, praying for, and seeking good for those who hurt us. When we bless instead of curse, love instead of retaliate, we live out the gospel and step into the flow of God's blessing for our own lives.