Our scripture this morning is 1 Peter 3:8-12.
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
In this passage Peter urges those who want to follow Jesus to “search for peace, and work to maintain it” (v. 11), advice we would do well to heed today. So often it seems people are looking for conflict, eager to tear down “the other side”. We need to see that when we are on God’s side, nothing else matters.
Striving for peace doesn’t mean we won’t meet opposition, it almost guarantees it! However, Jesus taught us to love our enemies and to pray for them just as we pray for our brothers and sisters. We are to treat those who stand against us the same way we treat those we hold dear, and want to be treated ourselves.
It isn’t always easy to love as Christ commands, but it is the only way to be like Him. Paul writes “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them” (Romans 12:14). Remember the example our savior gave us and love everyone as He does.
Gracious God, in our sin-scarred world it is easy to be angry with each other. Help us to see that is not Your plan for us, and to go in love to help heal all creation. Amen.