READ: 1 Pet. 3:8-12: 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 this, that you may inherit a blessing. For ‘He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous …
Peter now addresses the entire congregation. How are their interactions with each other? Is it every man for himself, each advocating for their own interests? Peter shows the way: be like-minded. The attitude of Christ’s Spirit should fill the church and its people, moving their focus together towards the Lord God with the goal of living a life pleasing to Him.
The Lord has given us to each other to serve Him, so we must be one in Christ and love each other. You share in each other’s joy and sorrow (1 Cor. 12). You are sympathetic; you care for one another and show love by being kind to others, acting as the least. No one is above another because of social status or financial means. And if someone in the congregation speaks harshly or gossips, do not repay evil with evil or slander with slander. Always be tolerant in this as well. Peter goes even further: if someone mistreats you, do not curse them, but bless them! Speak a good word.
Is Peter not asking the impossible here? No, Peter speaks God’s Word and repeats what the Lord Jesus himself says in the Sermon on the Mount: love your enemies, bless those who curse you (Luke 6:27-33). The Lord Jesus points to God who also shows mercy to sinners. He Himself prayed for His murderers.
We must follow God and Christ in this attitude. Such positive behavior can also have a disarming effect and serve peace. The Lord watches those who follow Him in this, hears their prayers, and rewards them with His blessing.
Are you aware that the Lord is watching your behavior?
Sing: Ps. 33:4