They’re Not Like Us

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." — 1 Peter 2:9  
  
In the world, it’s common to handle conflict with a tit-for-tat mentality. You say something about me, and I’ll say something about you. You disrespect me, and I’ll disrespect you back. That’s how things often go in our families, neighborhoods, or even at work. It feels normal because that’s what we’ve seen growing up. But as believers, God calls us to handle things differently. He asks us to live according to a higher standard.

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." That’s not the advice you’d get from the world, right? It’s counterintuitive. Most people would say you’re weak if you don’t clap back when someone disrespects you. But God doesn’t want us to repay evil with evil.  

1 Peter 3:9 says, "Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing." That’s a hard pill to swallow when you’re in the heat of the moment, but it’s what sets us apart.
 
The truth is, when you came to Christ, you were adopted into a new family. You’re not of this world anymore, even though you live in it. The way you handled things before—getting even, holding grudges, talking behind someone’s back, no longer fits who you are in Christ.  

Romans 12:21 reminds us, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This doesn’t make you better than anyone else, but it does make you different.
 
You are chosen, royal, and set apart. That means your approach to conflict must reflect who you are in Christ. Instead of being quick to react, James 1:19 tells us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger."  

The next time you face a situation where someone is coming at you, remember, they’re not like you. You’re called to respond with grace, even when it’s difficult. It’s not about winning the argument or getting the last word. It’s about standing on the Word of God and letting Him guide your actions.
 
When you live like that, you’re not just avoiding conflict, you’re shining the light of Christ in a world full of darkness. They’re not like us, and that’s okay. You’re called to be different, to be a reflection of God’s love and peace.