Be All of One Mind

DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2020

TOPIC: “Be All of One Mind” 1 Peter 3:8-13 There is something that can be lost in the Christian life that we lead, and it is the relationship with the brothers, the communion with them. This seems evident, due to the exhortations to unity and brotherly love that the apostle makes to the believers in his letter. In these difficult times, due to the pandemic, we can only give each other a tender greeting with the wrist of the hand, and a covered smile, which can produce a: "Oh, God, at least it's something!" I have observed this in our sister Nancy, she can't see or hug us like she used to, but I realize that she's happy doing just that. I, who see her, can see her love and her happiness for doing it.

I. (Vs. 8) "Finally..."

A. In conclusion of what has been said, it is not an end to the letter. Peter has a word for all the brothers; for servants, for wives and husbands, for the young, the old and for all of us believers.

1. "...be ALL in the same feeling..."

2. Christians are not expected to agree on everything, that would be uniformity, similarity, being equal.

3. What Peter refers to is THE UNITY, that is, that they do not divide, that they do not fragment, that they do not destroy each other.

4. Unity is the virtue by which something cannot be divided, allowing its essence not to be destroyed or altered.

5. The unity of believers does not allow division as it would mean the deformation of their essence.

6. The best formula is the well-known expression: In the fundamental, UNITY; in nonessential things, LIBERTY; In all, love!

7. For this purpose, the apostle continues, exhorts us to be “…compassionate…” with one another.

8. Literally, it means "to suffer with...". And the warning is appropriate especially when it comes to the brothers who suffer persecution. Compassionate!

9. The advice is for all times, because there is no time exempt of suffering.

10. “…loving as brothers…” “Providence” does not ask us about who we would like our brothers to be. That has already been given to us; but we are invited TO LOVE THEM, whatever our predilections and natural tastes are.

11. “…merciful…” That we have a heart that is sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. Furthermore, the one who is merciful refuses to grow cold, harden, or become cynical despite the injuries received.

12. "...friendly..." It seems very appropriate that friendship (it is like courtesy), be taught as one of the Christian virtues. Be polite, be considerate with the other brothers.

13. Essentially, this means to think humbly about others, putting others first, and speak and act with courtesy. Do you?

14. Courtesy serves others before "me." Someone who is courteous, who is friendly, promptly seizes every opportunity to help, and quickly gives thanks for the kindness received.

15. One is never rude, nor vulgar, nor obnoxious, nor irritable, nor moody. Let us learn!

16. (Vs. 9) "...not repaying evil with evil, or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." This is for when we are being persecuted or in a difficult situation.

17. We should not return evil for evil, nor curse for curse.

18. Instead we should bless those who mistreat us, and repay with kindness the injuries we have received. Jesus clearly teaches this in the gospels.

19. When we live like this, God rewards one with blessings!

20. (Vs. 10) Peter quotes from Psalm 34:12-16 to confirm that God's blessing rests on the one who turns away from evil deeds and words, His blessing on the one who practices justice.

21. Whoever wants to enjoy life to the fullest and experience good days must turn his tongue away from evil and all deception. Our speech says a lot about who we are.

22. "Whoever wants to love life..." This means that he wants to live the way God has disposed.

23. (Vs. 11) It is not only not to speak evil, but also not to do evil that is forbidden.

24. Beware of revenge. Revenge only intensifies the conflict. To take revenge is to stoop to use the weapons of the world.

25. Our lives should return "good" for "evil" and promote peace by meekly enduring injuries.

26. Fire cannot be put out with fire!

27. (Vs. 12) The Lord contemplates with approval those who act righteously.

28. The Lord is attentive to the prayers we make!

29. He defends, in a special way, the cause of those who suffer for Christ's sake and do not return evil for evil.

30. "But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

31. This refers, first, to the persecutors of His people.

32. "Evil" is evil, and God opposes evil wherever he finds it, whether in the saved or the lost.

33. (Vs. 13) "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?"

34. Nobody! Loving is what we must do.

35. Thus, if we love the brothers and we maintain the same feeling with them, that of unity, not division, we will preserve communion and a good and close relationship of brotherly love.

36. In this way we achieve what God, through the apostle Peter, has insisted on us in the letter. Amen.