1 Peter 3:8-9
As children of God, we reside in this world but are not of this world; we are citizens of the kingdom of God. Therefore, we have the great responsibility of living in submission to the will of God. In so doing this will give us the godly prospective of life and how we interact with others. Prior to the key Scriptural passage, Apostle Peter addressed various groups, dealing with the relationship of Christians to others: foreigners and exiles (2:11-17), and servants and masters (2:18-25); also, he addressed Christian wives (3:1-6) and Christian husbands (3:7).
Then he commanded, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (v.8). When Peter said “finally,” this was in reference to the previous groups he discussed which dealt with the relationship of Christians to others. Here the apostle instructed believers to be unified in their thinking: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). It is only through Christ that we can humble ourselves to relate with others in harmony. As members of the household of God, believers are to have sympathy for one another, love each other as brothers, be kindhearted and respectful of each other.
Peter continued with the command that believers “not render evil for evil, or insult for insult: but rather, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; knowing that you are called for this very purpose, that you should inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection]” (v.9). Believers’ humble submission to one another reflects God’s character in their daily interactions.
Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!”