Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
8 “Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. 9 Do not repay evil for evil. Do not retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what GOD wants you to do, and HE will bless you for it.” ~ 1 Peter 3:8-9
Peter lists five key elements that should characterize any group of believers: (1) one mind – pursuing the same goals; (2) sympathy – being responsive to others’ needs; (3) love – seeing and treating each other as brothers and sisters; (4) tenderness – being affectionately sensitive and caring; and (5) humility – being willing to encourage one another and rejoice in each other’s successes. These five qualities go a long way toward helping believers serve GOD effectively. Peter developed the qualities of tenderness and humility the hard way. In his early days with Christ, these attitudes did not come naturally to his impulsive, strong-willed personality. But the Holy Spirit changed Peter, molding his strong personality to GOD’s use and teaching him tenderness and humility.
In our fallen world, it is often deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. Peter, remembering Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek, encourages his readers to pay back wrongs with a blessing, such as praying for the offenders. – “But I say, do not resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too.” – Matthew 5:39 – In GOD’s Kingdom, revenge is unacceptable behavior, as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done. Rise above getting back at those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to these people, pray for them.
10 “For the Scriptures say, ‘If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep you lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. 12 The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and HIS ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns HIS face against those who do evil.’” – 1 Peter 3:10-12 – Too often we see peace as merely the absence of conflict, and we think of peacemaking as a passive role. But an effective peacemaker actively pursues peace by building good relationships, knowing that peace is a by-product of commitment. The peacemaker anticipates problems and deals with them before they occur. When conflicts arise, they are brought into the open and dealt with before they grow unmanageable. Making peace can be harder work than waging war, but it results in a life of happiness.
LORD, we ask the YOU would fill each of us with the characteristics of a peacemaker. Help us to be of one mind pursuing the same goals and fill us with sympathy to be responsive of others’ needs. Fill our hearts with love and tenderness so that we may see and treat others as brothers and sisters and be affectionately sensitive and caring. And finally, LORD, we pray for humility to be willing to encourage one another and rejoice in each other’s successes. Fill every aspect of our lives with YOUR Holy Spirit and mold our lives for YOUR use.
Photo: Lexington (Kentucky)
Photographer: Lisa K Gonzales
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