In 2013, San Diego Padre Carlos Quentin charged the mound after Los Angeles Dodger Zack Greinke hit him with a pitch. When Quentin was asked why he charged the mound, he responded, “We have a history that goes back a few years.” We call this payback.
The passage above from 1 Peter challenges us to not only resist payback but also deliver a blessing. Can this be a legitimate part of the game?
Jesus modeled the lifestyle of not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult. In the midst of His betrayals, beatings, and attacks He never, not once, joined in on the payback game. We have a living example to emulate!
The text from 1 Peter isn’t telling you to wimp out, but it is telling you to respond to evil or insults with uplifting words. Play hard with all glory to God. At the end of the day, don’t allow physical or verbal abuse to define your style of play. Set a goal to be respected for your play and to say encouraging words to all … including your opponents!
