1 Peter_3

Scripture

1 Peter 3:8⁸ Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Observation

Peter is writing to “…those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.”  He is writing to Christians in these various regions of the Roman Empire.  He starts with the duties (within the marriage, towards one another) of wives and husbands but then turns his direction to ALL of them and calls for…UNITY (sounds familiar, no?...maybe like something we heard yesterday??) and gives practical ways to create unity – being sympathetic and compassionate towards others, loving one another and staying humble.

Understanding

Just like PG talked about yesterday, we (the [global] church) are called to unity.There’s many reasons God desires unity for his church…but I think the most critical are that 1) that’s what he designed us for – community, and 2) we are more effective when working together for a common goal.  God can use us to do more, reach more, provide more, love more, if we are working in unison.  Plus, as we know, he created us all differently for the purpose of working together.In working together, we accomplish more but an additional benefit is that it builds us up.Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.Working in unity, builds up the body, creates confidence, fosters consideration and kindness and sympathy, creates social/emotional wellness for the individuals involved, allows for refreshing (instead of burnout), etc.

EVERYONE WINS!

 

Life Application

May we live in unity, community, together. May we look for the things that bind us, rather than those that separate us. May we seek peace…even if it takes an uncomfortable conversation to get there.Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

May we look for ways to destroy the barriers, tear down hostility and instead, lift and encourage one another, love one another and work together to accomplish the plans and purposes God has brought us together for.  Remember, you’re not here by accident! :)

 

Perhaps it's time to revisit those NEXT STEPS from yesterday's sermon...

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