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Most of the first believers weren't part of the aristocracy. In fact a good share of them were slaves. It is especially to these that Peter addresses today's first paragraphs, urging them to patiently endure unfair treatment. But in the second paragraph, he makes clear (3:8) that the same teaching about not getting even applies to "all of you."

1 Peter 2:19-23; 1 Peter 3:9

1. What behavior does Peter say twice (2:19 & 20) that God is pleased with?
2. Why do you think suffering (2:21) is part of God's plan for you?
3. What two things that Jesus did not do (2:23) are presented as an example for believers to follow?
4. What did Jesus do?
5. Does your response to mistreatment confirm your trust in God's ability to judge fairly?
6. What kind of "payback" does Peter commend (3:9)?
7. How can you bless someone who has wronged or insulted you?
8. What outcome is promised for the one who responds to injury with blessing?

Ask God to help you rise above the temptation to get back at those who attack you and to trust Him for the outcome.

1 For God is pleased with you when, for the sake of your conscience, you patiently endure unfair treatment.2 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you. 2 his suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps.

22 He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

9 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

I need Your power, Lord, to root out resentments and replace them with trust in how You are shaping my circumstances.

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