February 6, 2019 – 1 Peter 3:

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. I Peter 3:8-9.

“Be of one mind!”  How is that possible?  Each thought following this Declaration has its beginning in Love. ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

These are the commandments of Jesus found in Matthew 22:37-39.  ‘Being of One Mind’ begins here: Sympathy, loving each other with a tender heart, and a humble attitude, paying back insults with a blessing. 

This is the secret of happiness and enjoying many joyous days.  Have you ever noticed how our tongue can cause trouble?  Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.  James 4:11.

God listens when we pray and search for peace, and work to maintain it.  May we never do evil, for God will surely turn His back on us.  Cleanse me, O Lord, from all my hidden sins!

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.” I Peter 3:10-12.