1 Peter 3:8 - "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."
Humility of mind is key. If we’re going to get along, then we must be humble. If we will suffer insults lovingly in a way that honors Christ, then humility is essential.
Humility says, “I’m a sinner. The only reason I’m not offending is because of Jesus’ grace. He found me as a sinner, and he cleaned me up. He keeps me from falling. It is not that I’m unable to transgress. (Ask David.) It is sustaining grace that gives me the fear of God.”
God knows our hearts. He sees our evil thoughts and hatred of others. Let us combat this regularly and earnestly by humility of mind, confessing our sins - telling God about our pride. Let us pray for humility and love for others.
Secondly, there’s a blessing in not repaying evil with evil. 1 Peter 3:9 - "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." If we want to see benefits of the Christian life, then we realize that God brings trouble to bring us good. Like a farmer who plows the ground - oh, it would cry out, if it could - he does so to plant seeds, so that there may be fruit. God brings trouble around us and difficult people, so we can grow in grace by loving them… so we apply ourselves to the blood and the Spirit and deepen our relationship with God, so that we learn dependence, humility, and patience.
These things aren’t to MAKE US BITTER. Do not let it fester, that someone did you evil. Bring it to grace, and let the Fountain cleanse you. Come out better because you are hated. God’s mysterious providence is unveiled by the word: he lets us in on a reason for hardship; it is to make us like diamonds and pearls; it is to burn away the dross, so that we might shine; it is to give us a blessing.
Finally, it is enough that God doesn’t bless the wicked. 1 Peter 3:12 - "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." People can’t be in the flesh, do wrong, and have God’s presence. They can’t have the Spirit, while you flourish in God’s presence.
A sister was teaching the children. She reminded us that God’s vengeance is enough, and truly it is. Romans 12:19 - "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."" It is also enough that he disciplines believers. We don’t have to worry about anyone getting away with it. It is impossible: they can’t have God. Let this punishment be sufficient, while you drink in grace. Let God’s rebuke be the severest displeasure that can ever be given. He knows how to chastise his children, until there is repentance. We ought to pity the saint who sins against us. How much more should we be merciful to the ungodly who perish!
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