1 Peter 3:8-11 (ESV) Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep 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."
Peter mentions some very important traits we want to have in our life in I Peter chapter 3 -- "Unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind."
How do we create unity in mind? Unity in Christ can only be found when those that love him seek to know his word and live by it. The unity of the Bible is unity that is built upon the word of God. The unity that Peter writes of is a unity that is both united in mind and purpose. To build that unity of mind we need to be those who study God's word and study it with each other that we may grow into the Unity of mind based on what God has provided in his word.
How do we show sympathy? Sympathy is truly caring about others. It causes us to feel the pain and joy for others. It causes us to want to take action.
How do we show brotherly love? In Christ we are family. We are God's children. We should treat each other with the love we would show to a brother or sister.
How do we have a tender heart? Are we concerned when we see needs? Are we disturbed by wrong? Do we rejoice when good things happen?
How do we show a humble mind? When we realize every blessing we have is from God how can we not but be humbled. Christ gave his life for us. All that we have is from God. With that perspective we realize we are insignificant and unworthy -- yet God has shown us mercy, provided us blessings, and provided a promise that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to his promise. When I think about all God has done for me and how much he loves me it should help me to have a humble mind. When I think about my Savior's sacrifice it should cause me to have a humble mind. With a humble mind I will put others first.
As part of showing a humble mind we should be those who bless. We bless even we have been shown evil. Peter writes, "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling". The way of the world is to get even and to get someone back. That is not the way we should live. Instead of getting even Peter encourages us to BLESS.
When we are working to have "Unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind" we will be better able to bless others and to pursue peace.
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