SCRIPTURE
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 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. 1 Peter 3:8-9
OBSERVATION
Peter addresses Christians who are estranged foreigners in a vastly new culture and under new government leadership. Suffering for their faith, values, and lifestyle is their new way of life as exiles who are facing much opposition.
He admonishes believers to suffer for righteousness sake (v.14) and reminds them that Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit (v.18-19).
Peter’s “Finally all of you…” speaks to marriage life, relationship with their masters, or human institutions and the emperor. Believers are to live by Peter’s command “Finally all of you” in verses 8-9. To genuinely live by these attributes of submission, can only be accomplished through Jesus (reconciliation v.18-19).
APPLICATION
Unity of mind… ok, can do.
Sympathy…I got that one down pretty well.
Brotherly love…I may have a B+ grade in this category.
A tender heart…yeah…not too bad on this one, depending on who it is.
A humble mind…not to shabby on this attribute.
Now this next section is infinitely difficult for me: not repaying evil for evil, reviling or insults for reviling-insults!!! Oh no… and I have to bless these people when I’m treated this way?????????
PRAYER
Oh God! You know I need Your merciful reconciling presence – to forgive me, heal me of wounds I’ve carried or evil I’ve harbored in my heart. It’s so hard not to retaliate when I feel offended, used, opposed. Help my wimpy, weak mind… and heart. I feel so evil within – only You know (and Beckie – yikes!)! THANK YOU JESUS, for being God who possesses all these attributes and giving me mega grace…when I deal with unrighteous thoughts, motives and actions! You are such an awesome, powerful, gracious God! I love You!
