Tag: inherit a blessing
Living in harmony!
Scripture reading for November 11th: 1st Peter 3
In the world we live in, conflict with others happens with regularity. Pride, worldly desires, and selfishness cause fights and quarrels. (James 4:1) Peter wrote to the church to remind them to live in harmony with one another as a picture to their world of the love of Jesus Christ! This is how they could “declare the praises of Him who had called them into His wonderful light!” (1st Peter 2:9)
“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if anyone of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” (1 Peter 3:1-2) Women of that time had very little say or status in the culture. Peter encouraged women who had been born again to live in harmony with their unbelieving husbands. By quietly serving and loving them, God would work on their hearts.
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (1st Peter 3:7) Men could be domineering and harsh to their wives. Peter encouraged them to a harmonious relationship that would help their prayer life and bring God’s purposes to pass in the family and children!
“Finally, all of you live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9) Harmonious living is a blessing and brings eternal blessings!
Attitudes about suffering!
Scripture reading for November 25th: 1st Peter 3:8-4:11
Some people are falsely taught that Christianity was an escape to a life here of happiness and everlasting peace. Suffering is a part of life on earth and believers sometimes suffer. Jesus, Himself, suffered as a completely innocent man among people who were supposedly ‘God’s people’. Peter wrote to his Jewish friends who had become Christians to inform them about suffering and proper attitudes during these trials.
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you might inherit a blessing.” (1st Peter 3:8-9) Our attitude and conduct should be different from those people still in the world system. We must stay humble and consider others before ourselves. We, like Jesus, are called to be a blessing. We sow blessings because we have received the ultimate blessing of forgiveness and eternal life.
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1st Peter 3:13-15) Christians should be positive people, always eager to do what is good and right in God’s sight. Most of the time, this will also bring favor with men. Our attitude should be motivated by Christ Jesus as Lord and our desire to obey His example. We live by faith and are not to be overcome with fear. If people see this positive hope in our attitudes, they will be curious and ask us why we are so upbeat. We should then be ready to share the Gospel.
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1st Peter 4:1-2) Are you armed with the proper attitude to face life today?