Today's Verse: 1 Peter 3:8

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Unity and harmony are no accident! They happen because of intention and submission. More than just states of being we find along life's way, they are commanded by God. How do we have unity and harmony? Peter reminds us we must have three commitments in our "family of faith" lifestyle:
  1. We actively share the sorrows and concerns of those who grieve.
  2. We love each other as a healthy family loves and values every family member.
  3. We show compassion with each other and humility before each other.
Rather than acting superior to others as they deal with their failures and loss, we are sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. We recognize that we are vulnerable to the same problems, hurts, wounds, and temptations as our brothers and sisters who need us, and whom we need to be fully JESUShaped!

My Prayer...

Father, I confess that I have let my own over-sensitive self be wounded and have reacted with pettiness when my brothers and sisters in Christ have not treated me as I felt I deserved. I know Jesus was treated so rudely and shamefully by those he created and came to save. I know I shouldn't be surprised when things don't always go well for me. So, dear Father, please help me to know when to challenge those who wound me with a loving "carefrontation" and when to ignore the barb and find a way to minister to them because of some deeper wound that crippled them in their past. Father, let me be an instrument of your peace, harmony, grace, love, compassion, and unity. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Peter 3:8 — Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.