Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. – 1 Peter 3:8
Masks can be useful. Surgeons wear them to protect their patients, whose bodies are vulnerable during surgical procedures. Woodworkers and painters use them to protect their respiratory systems against fumes or harmful chemicals. You may see people who are in fragile health or who are more susceptible to disease continue to mask up in public despite health authorities having declared the COVID-19 pandemic over nearly three years ago. But there are other types of masks that are not so beneficial, though many wear them for a type of “protection.“ Perhaps you or someone you know has been wearing a “mask“ to hide your vulnerability!
These masks separate you and others relationally. Putting up this type of façade allows you to conceal your identity. It isolates you, effectively saying, “Keep Out!” God wants to take those barriers down so you are authentic with one another. His desire is for brothers and sisters in Christ to be united, sympathetic, tenderly loving, and humble. Jesus removed the wall that stood between you and the Father so that you could come into authentic relationship. He wants you and your fellow believers to have authentic connections as well.
Just as the masks that visually separated people from each other during the pandemic have been discarded, it is time for you to consider how you can remove the façade that separates you from others. Begin by praying for them, encouraging them, and serving them when you can. As walls come down, others will be able to see Jesus in you. Pray for courage and strength for believers serving in Congress to be authentic with one another!
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: Galatians 5:13-26
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
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.
