ByStarting chapter 3 of the 1st Epistle of Peter, the Apostle did an awesome work of writing about specific instructions to wives first and then to husbands. However, from verses 8 through 9, he continues to give seven general godly instructions to the brethren in Christ. Today, I’m glad to write about them in this article. I believe it’ll be helpful to you in your faith journey with Jesus. Let’s dive in.
Verse 8
[8] Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;”
1 Peter 3:8 NKJV
In verse 8, Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote about five of the seven instructions to us believers I’m talking about today.
1. Be of one mind
As children of God, we’re instructed in the Word to be like-minded. About what, you may ask? The mind of Christ, of course. Philippians 2:5-7 (NKJV) says,
[5] “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, [6] who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, [7] but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”
Jesus had a humbled mind whose focus was on pleasing the Father always. And if we’re supposed to bear His mindset, then any child of God who is not mindful of Christ in his daily life has a problem. Such a person will not live like Him. I believe this is why so many people are not eternity-driven in their decisions. Their minds are preoccupied with earthly things, so much so that they treat God’s work as secondary. But that is not the kind of life we received from Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) that,
[33] “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
The Son of man – Jesus Christ, was so moved in fulfilling his divine mandate that He cared less about what to eat, drink and wear, and even where to sleep. Getting money, stable jobs, a good spouse, children, and all other life’s possessions aren’t bad. But they are just okay for you, child of God, to live in peace and without struggle as you pursue to fulfil your divine mandate.
2. Have compassion for one another
Compassion is also a vital virtue in administering the love of God to people, especially the unloved. If you have money but without compassion for the needy, then you’ll not be moved to support that suffering fellow. That is faith without works. James 2:15-17 (NKJV) says,
[15] If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, [16] and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? [17] Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
It takes faith expressed through compassion to help a friend, especially a fellow child of God. As Galatians 6:10 entreats us, be intentional about doing good to your fellow brethren in Christ.
3. Love as brothers
There’s brotherly love in Christ. But the devil has attacked it from continuing in its awesome dwelling among the people of God using minute offences here and there.
Dear believer, you’re different. Be mindful of walking by revelation concerning brotherly love. I mean, let it continue dwelling richly in you (Hebrews 13:1). Forgive people who commit offences to you fast enough in order to prevent the devil from waxing God’s love in you cold.
4. Be tenderhearted
Tenderheartedness is also a significant virtue for the child of God. When you’re tenderhearted towards people, you’ll sense the plight of what they’re going through with love. And that will help you release resources to help them. This virtue might be connected to your emotions. But for sure, in Christ, it’s fostered by God’s love.
Anytime you find it hard to forgive others, remember how wretched your life was before God showed you mercy and saved you.
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5. Be courteous
What is courtesy? It means the showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behaviour toward others. That means speaking courteously is inclusive of the child of God’s character. And when it comes to words, quarrels and jestings are red signals.
With all these five instructions given to you in one verse, above all, be intentional about living a holy life that pleases God.
Verse 9
[9] “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.” – 1 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)
6. Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling
When someone wrongs you, what do you do? Do you decide to repay him with evil, or do you forgive him?
As a Christian, God’s Word says don’t repay evil for evil or reviling (insults) for reviling. But how can you do that? Through forgiveness. Anytime you find it hard to forgive others, remember how wretched your life was before God showed you mercy and saved you.
7. Return blessing for evil
Just as you’ve read earlier on, return blessings (good deeds) for evil committed against you. When your enemy wrongs you, feed him when he gets hungry. It’ll strike a message in his mind that what he meant for evil for you, you meant it for good for him (see Proverbs 25:21-22).
Life is too short to hold up grudges in your heart. For that is of no profit to you. You were created in Christ to walk in good works (see Ephesians 2:10). Therefore, be intentional about manifesting the goodness of God, both to yourself and to people – loving and undeserving. For God won’t forget to reward you for your labour of love.
You’re a blessing.
