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1 Peter 3:8-12
Peter ties together what he has been teaching as proper conduct in the eyes of the LORD. Not addressing just to wives or husbands, but to “all of you” (verse 8) “be” of one mind. So how do we “be” of one mind? The Apostle Peter instructs us as he continues in verse 8 to have compassion for one another and to love one another as brothers have love for each other. In our ways to everyone we should be tenderhearted and courteous, which shows a heart of forgiveness. Peter tells us that we should not repay evil with evil, but blessing in keeping with the words of Jesus in Luke 6:27 as He states (NKJV), “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” And in Luke 6:34-36 Jesus states, “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” In doing this, Jesus says that our reward will be great, and Peter says that we will inherit a blessing. Peter then quotes Psalm 34:12-16 as further instruction is given through Scripture to refrain from evil and deceitful speaking. Psalm 34:11 tells us to seek peace, but more than that, we are instructed to pursue it. Pursuing peace and being tenderhearted and courteous, along with showing brotherly love and the conduct that Peter is teaching through the instructions of Christ Jesus are all action words; we must be active in conducting ourselves in this manner, and pursue these things in our lives.
This is a command to take action in showing the love and compassion of Christ Jesus to one another.
If we confess to be a Christian, we should be showing the love of Christ Jesus to everyone we come in contact with, including our enemies. We should not purposely put ourselves in harms way to show love to our enemies, but if we must communicate with them, we should always show the love of Christ Jesus as He has first shown to us in saving us from sin. To be tenderhearted and courteous is not a bad thing or a show of weakness. Just think for a minute how much better the world would be if we all were courteous and tenderhearted to one another – and yes, this includes your enemies too. It kind of paints a picture of how we expect things to be in heaven, doesn’t it? As God’s redeemed children here on earth it is our job and duty to let the light of Christ Jesus shine through us in doing the best we can to paint that picture here and now, in our lifetime, so that we might bring glory to God.
Dear LORD,
When we opened our hearts to Jesus and asked His forgiveness for our sins, we accepted a new life in Him – a new life that has a call to action for Christ Jesus to share the gospel with all the world. Please give us the courage to let the light of Christ Jesus shine through our lives and be tenderhearted and courteous to each other every day that we would bring glory to You through our lives. In Jesus name I pray, amen.