Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. – 1 Peter 3:8
Within decades of Christ’s resurrection, believers underwent persecution and were driven from their homeland to places in Asia Minor. Peter wrote to them to encourage them to persevere in their faith, for God the Father “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:3-4).
He also instructed them to conduct themselves accordingly, not reverting back to their previous lifestyles, but adhering to the conduct of holiness. They were to “put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander” and honor everyone (2:1, 17). This included those in positions of authority and servants toward their masters. and he provided specifics to husbands and wives.
Peter then lists godly virtues that believers were called to exemplify. Unity of mind, mentioned in today’s verse, does not necessarily mean uniformity, but rather working together with cooperation in the midst of adversity. Methods of accomplishing the same goal can be different. Believers need to have compassion for one another, share trials and joys, and stay attentive toward each other with open hearts. The love of God will be revealed to others by the believer’s efforts to comfort those in need. A humble heart considers others ahead of self.
Take Peter’s words to heart as you observe the culture’s antagonism toward faith in Jesus. Be unified with other believers, and depend on prayer and God’s power to provide strength in times of need. Ask the Lord to help you stay true to His Word. Pray for this nation and its governing officials, who need godly guidance and the love of God in their hearts.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 3:9-17
9 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. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
