1 Peter 3:8a Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic….
I used to have a poster by my door which said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” While the poster has been swapped out for another, the sentiment is one I still fully believe in. What if we were all like-minded in our desire to lift people up and encourage them? What if we went through every day trying to outdo each other in honor (Romans 12:10)? What a beautiful world it could be.
1 Peter 3:8b …love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Another sign, which has had a place of honor in my room for years, reads, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Such wise words, that are sometimes incredibly hard to follow, especially if you are the one in mid-battle. Someone said to me the other day, “Hurt people hurt people,” and I find that so very true, but what if our mission in life was to try to bring comfort and kindness, to show God’s love to a weary world? What a beautiful world it could be.
1 Peter 3:9a Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for these things that I ponder in my heart. Thank You that lifting up and encouraging others lifts me up as well. Thank You that we have a choice to reach outside our circumstances, our frustrations and pains, in order to shine Your light. Help me, always, to choose joy, kindness, compassion. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Peter 3:9b …On the contrary, repay evil with blessings, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.