LEARNING DAILY

 

1 Peter 3:8-9, Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous, not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to do this, that you may inherit a blessing.

 

You really need to read on through verse 12 where Peter is speaking some words out of Psalm 34. He is telling you and me that we must turn away from evil in the things we say and do and pursue peace. I do not think Christians can be of the same mind, meaning we will always think alike. But we can agree on doctrine expressed in God’s Word and be one regarding the treatment of others. The Lord wants His people to be unified in the knowledge that His way is the same for everyone and we belong to His family meaning we are to live in unity and harmony with one another. When we do so and turn away from evil, pursuing peace, we can experience lives full of God’s blessing and favor.

 

The surest way for you and me to receive a blessing from God is to be a blessing to others. The DJSB states, “God does not want His people just to think the right thoughts; He wants them to live the right way as they interact with one another.” It goes on to say this about “doing good” in verse 11. “To do good is not a subjective term. The Greek word conveys an act of high moral standard and benefit – doing the right thing at the right time. Departing evil by itself is not enough. In the life of the redeemed, evil must be replaced by doing good.”

 

Go back and read the verse above. The first thing you should notice is that Peter is talking to all of us, not just the other people; You and I are included. He then tells “all of us” that we are to be moved with compassion and sincerely interested by the feelings of other Believers. Words spoken directly, not spoken in love or to help others can hurt and be misunderstood. There is nothing wrong with speaking truth so it can be understood and received. It just needs to be done to help and correct and not to hurt and destroy. When correction is needed to be done, Peter’s word of unity and speaking in love are important to follow; allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in this situation.

 

I think of the love that is to be found in a family. Family has always been important to me but I have found that members of the family don’t always seem to get along. At the same time, they should be committed to each other above those outside of the family. To me, this should be dominate in every Christian family. As Christians, we should always be ready to show compassion and kindness to all people. By doing so, we bless others.

 

In my Bible, I have written that I am a work in progress beside these verses. Yes, I am!

 

From now on DJSB will be used to note information or quotes from the David Jeremiah Study Bible and LSSB will refer to information and quotes from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible