Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 132nd. Edition.
Dear who Are Called by the Name of the Most High,
Having dispensed with marital relationships in the foregoing passage, in today’s passage (1 Peter 3:8-12) we consider general relationships within the Christian community.
What we Ought to Cultivate (v. 8). Unity is of paramount importance to the community. We are encouraged to be of one mind, meaning Common purpose, to have Compassion, which is especially important toward the needy, Charity (an old word for love), Consideration (being tenderhearted), and Courteous. These attitudes do not come to us automatically. We need to cultivate them.
What we Ought to Cull (vv. 9-12). We should resist the temptation to repay evil for evil and not exchange curses with those who curse us. We should bless, instead. This is because we have to focus on the purpose of our calling, which is to inherit a blessing. The latter part of this passage (vv. 10-12) is a quote from Psalm 34:12-16.
It warns us that a tongue that speaks evil and deceit will not “see good days” because “the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Do note that it does not matter that evil was spoken against us first. If we respond with evil speech, we only confirm the evil that is within us (Luke 6:45). The opposite is that the “eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers.”
Do not waste the opportunity for blessing by cursing those who curse you and speak ill of you. Return good for evil – bless. That is the way to attract blessing.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.