1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”
We are to work on two relationships daily: our relationship with God and others. 1 Peter 3:8 gives us some of the essential ingredients for getting along with others. Peter lays out instructions for actions to take to have Christ-like relationships with one another!
Let’s unpack these ingredients. First, getting along with others starts with a unity of cause – being of one mind – and the cause that we rally around is always the cause of Christ. What brings us together is Christ. Our points of view are filtered by WHAT IS THE MIND OF CHRIST.
We then have compassion for each other. Compassion is a concern that leads to action. This is a virtue that Christ displayed many times. He saw the people and had compassion and then you read of an action that met various needs. Getting along with others calls for caring about one another.
Then we have each other’s back as we love like brothers. Brothers have each other’s back! Does someone have your back? Do you have someone’s back?
Then we are tenderhearted toward each other as we understand we all are flawed humans. We can identify with another person’s flaws and offer grace, and as needed, forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”
Then, finally, Peter says, “Be courteous.” To be courteous is to be respectful. We are to treat one another with dignity and respect. It is the last one that we might need to revive. We need a revival of respect! We should be able to agree to disagree while not devaluing a brother or sister. Be courteous! Be respectful!
Teddy Roosevelt said, “The single most important ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” Practicing 1 Peter 3:8 will
Continue Strong with the essential ingredients for a relationship,
And remember to DATE the Word