Judges: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Judges 

                Our world shouts

                retaliate--fight back

                with words and actions

                demand confrontation.

                Our Lord prays

                reacts by healing

                with forgiveness and honor

                delivers compassion.

Psalm 89:13: "Thou hast a strong arm; Thy hand is might, Thy right hand is exalted."

            

Reflection: Retaliation: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions 

        1. How have you been attacked deceitfully?

        2. How did it fracture your life and your heart towards others?

        3. Did any retaliation bring forth a salvation, or create more hardship?

Share: Do you now trust in the Lord's hands? How?

Retaliation: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 Reading: 1 Peter 2:21-23: "In fact, you were called to live this way, because Christ also suffered in your place, leaving you His example for you to follow. He never sinned and He never spoke deceitfully. When He was verbally abused, He did not return with an insult; when He suffered, He would not threaten retaliation. Jesus faithfully entrusted Himself into the hands of God, who judges righteously."

Retaliation

What are some of the ways you have seen others abused: physically or verbally? Were you able to intervene or get assistance? Or need to walk away for your own or others safety? But planning revenge when possible?

What about the silent names we call others or ourselves for disagreements, or anger, or failures, or embarrassment, or guilt?

When faced with an attack of any form our instinct is protection, to gauge the level of danger or safety. This is a gift of warning we are given. To choose our next step.

When we can seek for clarity. To try to navigate within and without. Seek guidance. Pray.

When we seek the Lord first we can take a step of faith even in extreme danger.

Your thoughts,