In place of the word “obtain,” other reliable translations use the term “inherit,” which is in fact the exact meaning of the word Peter uses. It should be noted that an inheritance is never earned (as if in some way blessing your persecutor earns you a blessing). With the use of the term “inherit” in this sentence, Peter is asking his readers to recall the privilege that befell them through their rebirth, that God has set aside an inheritance for them which he today is preserving in heaven for them. But Peter’s readers will not in fact receive that inheritance if they fail to act “born again,” that is, if they act as if vengeance is their business to execute and so repay evil for evil. Such conduct would give the lie to their rebirth and identity as God’s chosen people (1 Peter 2:9).
9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.