ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Called to Bless
KEY VERSE
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
Bible Reading:
1 Peter 3:7-9 (KJV)
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
MESSAGE
Mary Marty retells a parable from the Eye of the Needle newsletter: “A holy man was engaged in his morning meditation under a tree whose roots stretched out over the riverbank. During his meditation he noticed that the river was rising, and a scorpion caught in the roots was about to drown. He crawled out on the roots and reached down to free the scorpion, but every time he did so, the scorpion struck back at him. An observer came along and said to the holy man, ‘Don’t you know that’s a scorpion, and it’s in the nature of a scorpion to want to sting?’ To which the holy man replied, ‘That may well be, but it is my nature to save, and must I change my nature because the scorpion does not change its nature?'”.
This passage offers a rich blueprint for Christian relationships, beginning in the home and extending into the wider community of faith. Peter instructs husbands to live with their wives in an understanding and honouring way, by showing emotional sensitivity, spiritual partnership, and shared dignity, while recognising them as co-heirs of God’s grace, so as to avoid the consequence of hindered prayers.
Itemising the qualities expected among Christian communities as, having unity of mind, sharing in each other’s struggles, loving one another as family, having tender heart and humble mind, Apostle Peter concludes by giving the challenge of “not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing…” a character trait that exemplifies Christ who blessed those that crucified Him.
Therefore, whether in marriage or family, we are to commit to treating others with understanding and grace. We are not to respond to insults, betrayals, or mistreatment with vengeance. Instead, we are to bless, speaking well, praying for, and seeking good for those who hurt us. When we bless instead of curse, love instead of retaliate, we live out the gospel and step into the flow of God’s blessing for our own lives.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Blessing those who hurt us makes us to resemble Christ
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Proverbs 1-3
COMMENTARY
1. The Nature of the Call – Peter reminds believers that we are called to bless, not to retaliate. This calling is not optional; it is fundamental to our identity in Christ. We are called to inherit a blessing, and that inheritance comes as we live out the character of our Heavenly Father.
2. The Example of the Holy Man – The parable of the holy man and the scorpion illustrates the principle perfectly. The scorpion’s nature is to sting, but the holy man’s nature is to save. We must not let the behavior of others dictate our response. Our nature, as children of God, is to bless.
3. Christ as Our Model – Jesus is the ultimate example of blessing those who hurt Him. He was reviled, yet He did not revile in return. He suffered, yet He did not threaten. He blessed those who crucified Him. We are called to follow in His steps.
4. The Impact on Relationships – The devotional applies this principle to marriage and family. Husbands are to honor their wives, and believers are to live in unity, compassion, and humility. When we bless instead of retaliate, we build strong relationships and honor God.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Bless – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes the importance of blessing others, even those who hurt us. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that our response to mistreatment reveals the reality of our faith. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to bless and not curse.
About DCLM and Daily Manna
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and blessing others.
DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to bless and not curse.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, help me to bless those who hurt me. Give me the strength to not retaliate but to respond with grace. Teach me to resemble Christ in all my relationships. May my words and actions reflect Your love. I choose to bless and not curse. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
