crumbs46

 

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 46

1 Peter 3: 8-12 Living in Harmony

Scripture 1 Peter 3:8-12 NIV 8Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For “Whoever would love life     and see good days must keep their tongue from evil    and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous  and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Psalm 34:12-16

between each other

Crumbs In my 1992 edition of the NIV verse 8 is translated “ live in harmony” To sing together we must listen to what the other singer is singing. We are to be like minded. The mind we are to be like is the Lord Jesus the essence of which was humility ( Philippians 2).

Verse eight gives us the attitudes we should adopt to achieve the relationship that should exist between each other. It may involve the sacrifice of our cherished notions, status and self image. In verse9 it is the Christian who ends the endless cycle of revenge that wrecks societies and family relationships. The rest of the passage deals with the heart change we must undergo if we are to achieve this.

Verses 9 and 10 deal with that challenging subject; the things we say. In these verses it is deceitful speech that Peter tackles. This brings us to the implication in verse 11. Evil is our default position. We have to turn from it to find peace which is not ours automatically. It takes resolution and effort. It may well begin with the things that we say.

Verse 12 brings us to peak of the argument. Communication with God is open to those who turn in this way. It requires taking the way laid down by the Lord Jesus, the way of repentance, the way of faith, the way of the cross. As we turn He sees. As we turn He hears our cries.

Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion) 1. What can we do to improve our relationships ? 2. What does this passage teach about the things we say? 3. How should the truths of verse 12 affect our daily lives ?

 Please note that this is also published on my blog along with poems and other items on https://pmgsblog.blogspot.com 

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