Page 83 - Family Life Student Textbook

1 Peter 3:9 “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with
blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

James 3:1–8 “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you
know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways.
Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body
in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can
turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are
driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot
wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a
world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole
course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds,
reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no
human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”

Our words are very powerful. They can hurt another person deeply. And we cannot recall them. Many times
our words are replayed over and over in the other person's mind. And they become magnified until that
person believes them even if our words were inaccurate.

Our sinful flesh is tempted to respond to an offense by trying to outdo the other person. But this just serves
to pour gasoline on the fire of the tension between us. God's word commands us to respond to an insult
with a blessing which will stop any escalation of this tension into an argument. Rather, it will diffuse the
situation as we compliment the other person and bring a blessing to them. This requires maturity, self-
control, and a reliance upon God's supernatural enablement. And God will reward us for our obedience to
his word in our family relationships.

We are to give a blessing even when we receive an insult.

1 Peter 3:9 “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the
contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were
called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

Proverbs 10:11–14 “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of
life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred
stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is
found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of
one who has no sense. The wise store up knowledge, but the
mouth of a fool invites ruin.”

Proverbs 25:11–14 “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. Like an
earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening
ear. Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one
who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master. Like clouds and wind without rain
is one who boasts of gifts never given.”

Proverbs 12:18 “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise
brings healing.”

82