1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 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.
The Lord never calls us to be like the world. In fact we are repeatedly urged to live differently than those who are not believers. It may even be said that we are to be so different from those in the world that we will appear to be odd balls. (I mean that in the most positive way).
As I read the list of attributes that Peter lists as descriptive of a real Christian, I am staggered. LIKE-MINED, SYMPATHETIC, HAVING LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER, COMPASSIONATE, and HUMBLE. As we read over that list it is not a matter of choosing one or more, but we are to demonstrate all of them.
We are further instructed to behave in a manner that is far removed from normal reactions to situations. We are to refrain from getting even with others who wrong us. Instead we are to repay evil with blessing. Wow!
Slowly and deliberately read 1 Peter 3:8-9 again. Can you honestly say that you are acting this way? If and when we do, we will no doubt be considered out of our mind and weird. At best we will be considered DIFFERENT. Are you willing to be DIFFERENT for God rather than follow your own emotions?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil