8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
I am too often confrontational or righteous. I need to be right - I am stubborn and prideful. I need this to change.
Peter's words need to penetrate, refine and transform me - be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble...never repay evil with evil or insult with insult...repay evil with blessing...seek peace and pursue it...do this with gentleness and respect.
Of course this echoes James words:
9 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...James 1:19
My Prayer: Lord, You are patient, humble, respectful...and more - especially to me. This is amazing because of course I am not deserving. You call me up and I fall down. I sincerely thank You for all that You are, have done, and have done for me. All I know is that I need You every day yet I don't go to You every day so please forgive me for my neglect of You and for falling short...for my sin. Please refine and purify me and help me put into practice the words of both Peter and James.
