Holding on to Hope - 1 Peter 3:8-12

Tuesday, May 18

Today’s verses: 1 Peter 3:8-12

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. 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.”

Today Peter begins his “wrap” on a very important lesson on submission and suffering. One that is so important, I have read, re-read and even dug a bit deeper into these verses. His message is filled with direction and encouragement for all Christians. He is summing up his instructions on how we should live in relationship with each other, even when we are in the midst of persecution or suffering.

Peter instructs us to live in community and to:

· be like-minded - unified around one single purpose: the way of Jesus

· be sympathetic -emotionally moved by, and sincerely interested in the feelings of other believers

· love, as brothers love each other - have a "family" kind of love where you are committed to each other above those outside of the family

· be tender-hearted or compassionate - show each other kindness, with a desire for the good of the other person

· have a humble mind - set ourselves aside; make others the focus of our attention

Our calling as Christians helps us to not only love each other, but also to love our enemies. We must extend mercy in the way God does for us. This is true even when we are suffering. In fact, it may be God’s will for His people to suffer, in part, to demonstrate His power. Our words and actions can convict others into repentance. We are called to respond to evil by returning a blessing; to return good for evil. Refuse to seek revenge! Peter quotes Psalm 34 verses, reminding us that God sees, and that we will inherit a blessing if we choose to bless.

Our lesson today teaches us that we should not only love one another and love our enemies but we are to love life and see the good days. My father in-law, had a saying, “Lovin’ life at every turn.” Over the years, I have learned that no matter the adversity, adventure and trials, we can choose to enjoy life trusting God is the one who is in control. To love life speaks of a love where you value life and recognize its preciousness.

As believers, we give praise to our Creator who is the giver of every good thing and gives us the capacity to enjoy life and all the perfect gifts he created. That is the life that is available to us, but obedience is a major key to unlock that door. Peter gives us the key. He says that we are to refrain from speaking and doing evil; refrain from being deceptive and not telling the truth. So next time you have an opportunity to think, say or do evil, turn away from it and pursue peace. Taste the goodness of God and sense the His nearness.

Listen to the words of Peter Chapter 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSREN7E5Y4E

Jesus, You are our living hope! Thank you for teaching us how to face suffering, LOVE everyone and love the life you intend for us. We pray that you will use our hopeful response to suffering to encourage others to see your power in us. We don’t know what you are doing in us and through us right now but we give thanks that you are in control and we are not. Let us remember that “this is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” May we all love life at every turn, with you in our hearts and by our side. In your name we pray.