Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 3:8
We continue our journey through 1 Peter 3. As we saw last week, God gave us the beautiful picture of how a husband and wife are to live out their marriage relationship in a manner that honors Him. God wants us to understand that what He laid out for the husband-and-wife relationship is not just for the married couple. God also led Peter to write to ensure that everyone would live in right fellowship with one another. God led Peter to get very specific on how we are to live in union as believers in Christ. God says this in 1 Peter 3:8–9, To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. God, through Peter, listed out several things for us to be in right fellowship with each other. First, God tells us we must be harmonious, which means we should be like-minded. To be like-minded also means to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14–16). God states the same Truth this way in Romans 15:5–6, Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. By being of the same mind, we glorify God.
Challenge & Application
· So, knowing we’re to be harmonious/like–minded with all believers, how do you see yourself living out this truth?
· If you have a strained relationship with someone (or you know someone else who does), how will you seek to get that right?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!