1 Peter 3:8-9
The scripture for today is 1 Peter 3:8-9
1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, be all of one mind, having compassion one with another, love as brethren, be tender hearted, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling: but on the contrary blessing; knowing that you were called to this, that you should inherit a blessing.
When our lives are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), the things that come from us will be good, regardless of what others do to us or the condition of the world around us. This is the Godly position and behavior that was modeled by Christ for all of God’s children to follow. His desire is that we emulate His character, living before the world as a body of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who bear witness of Him, not only in word but in behavior and actions.
The presence of Christ in the life is the most important thing that anyone can possess. His presence and leading set the Christian apart from all others. It is impossible to live the “Christ life” without surrendering to His presence and following His leading. The Biblical instructions given to us were never designed for us to attempt to do them in our own strength or through our own “will power.” That is a recipe for failure. God gives us His Holy Spirit and it is through His divine enabling that we can continue on the path of righteousness.
When we have surrendered hearts, God is in control, and when God is in control, the “Christ life” is lived through us. Such a people will “be all of one mind, having compassion one with another.” They will “love as brethren, be tender hearted, and be courteous.” They will bless those who curse them and do good to those who hate them and pray for those who spitefully use them and persecute them. (Matthew 5:44) They will not be like the world for they are not of the world but are of God; “knowing that you were called to this, that you should inherit a blessing.”
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim