Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 3:8
Today we focus on the second characteristic God commands us to have as Christians. God tells us in 1 Peter 3:8 that we are also to be sympathetic, so we are to sympathize with each other. To be sympathetic means we must have a heart of compassion and kindness toward each other. As we show God’s compassion and kindness, we also have to guard against a heart of bitterness, selfishness, or empty conceit. To better understand what God means, we see what God tells us in Romans 12:10, Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. So, God wants us to love each other with His genuine love (unconditional and not self-serving). We also need to learn to take delight in honoring each other. Most people are focused on delighting themselves first and then focusing on others. God wants us to do the opposite and focus on others first and ourselves last. God says it this way in Colossians 3:12–14, So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Note that compassion and kindness are listed first as attributes that God says we are to live out since He has chosen us and we belong to Him. Our devotion and love for our Lord directs our devotion and love for others, for they go hand-in-hand.
Challenge & Application
· So, having a heart of compassion and kindness are to be normal for each Christian. How are you living out those attributes daily?
· How are you honoring others above yourself and focusing on their needs first and your needs last?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!