June 15, 2017 – I Peter 3:8

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. I Peter 3:8

Today is my brother’s birthday, his first in Heaven. As I read these verses, I remember all our talks – we were of one mind.  We didn’t see each other often, and we both loved Jesus.   We loved each other and where love thinned, there was forgiveness and tenderhearted humbleness, with prayer.

When we give our hearts to Jesus, He extends his forgiveness and love to us.  Because of His great love we are free to love.  The hymn sings in my heart…Oh, How I love Jesus, Oh, How I love Jesus, Because He first loved me!

Love blooms, evil escalates into a full grown war.  Our souls are captured and held captive when evil comes with insults and we return them. Angry words delivered with hate is more venomous than a poisonous snake bite. We are set free when we pay back with a continuous blessings of forgiveness and joy.

Be the blessing to others, as God calls us to do, and our gift is God’s blessing.  When we choose Jesus, we are God’s dearly loved chosen people.  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

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 3:9