October 18
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, 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, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,’” 1 Peter 3:8-12.
In these words, the apostle Peter issues a general admonition to all Christians concerning their conduct toward and with one another, whether they be men or women, adults or children, young or old.
First, he speaks of unity and harmony: All of you be of one mind. This does not mean that there should be no differences of opinion with reference to many things in life. With reference to material matters, differences often are neither here nor there. However, the apostle is speaking of Christian conduct, and with reference to things that are clearly revealed in God’s Word. In these things, there should be harmony and agreement.
We should have compassion for one another, and we should see the needs and feel the hurts of others. We should be tenderhearted and kind. We should deal lovingly with others when they fail to live up to God-pleasing standards and wander away from what is right and good in God’s sight. We should be courteous and polite in all of our dealings with our fellowmen.
We should not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling. We should not try to get even with those who wrong us. Especially, we should exercise tongue control. Remember the apostle’s words, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted,” Galatians 6:1. We can be 100% correct in what we say, while at the same time we can be 100% wrong in the way that we say it. The tone of the voice can make the difference!
The apostle Peter continues by quoting Psalm 34:12-16. The apostle James writes, “No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so,” James 3:8-10. If we want to enjoy life under the blessing of God, then exercise great tongue control!
The psalmist adds that Christians should seek peace and pursue it. We should remember that the eyes of the Lord see everything we do and His ears are open to all our prayers. Peter closes with a warning to non-Christians: “The face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
In all things, let us remember that we want the Lord to bless what we say and do.
With our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus as the Son of God and our Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil, we want to follow Jesus’ example of love and forgiveness and walk in His footsteps. Jesus says to us, as He said to His disciples, “Follow Me!” Matthew 9:9. “Walk as children of light,” Ephesians 5:8. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,” Matthew 5:16.
“’Come, follow Me,’ the Savior spake,
‘All in My way abiding;
Deny yourselves, the world forsake,
Obey My call and guiding.
Oh, bear the cross, whate’er betide;
Take My example for your guide.’” Amen.