-September 13, 2020-
Good morning, happy Lord’s Day, happy Grandparents Day,
-How To Treat One Another In Christ-
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”
(1 Peter 3:8).
The Apostle Peter had just addressed wives and husbands in 1 Peter 3:1-7. Wives are to be submissive to their husbands and husbands are to dwell with their wives in an understanding way. Now he shifts his focus to all believers in our relationship with one another.
Peter tells us how we should treat one another in the body of Christ. He mentions five things that should characterize our behavior toward one another: unity, compassion, love, tenderheartedness, and courtesy. We are all part of the family of God. Like any family, there will be some challenges, disagreements, and issues but the Lord helps us through them all.
1. Unity – Peter says, “All of you be of one mind.” This likemindedness comes through the mind of Christ. God is our Father and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We have a closeness with one another that is closer than our natural families. We share a common bond in Christ.
2. Compassion – The Lord Jesus Christ had compassion for Peter and forgave him and restored him after he had denied the Lord three times. Peter became so much more caring toward the saints and he shepherded the flock. We, like Peter, must learn compassion, to treat others as we would want to be treated, and to feel with them.
3. Love – Love is the most important of all Christian virtues. John wrote, “If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11). We can’t love God whom we have not seen if we do not love each other whom we have seen. Love for one another is so precious, personal, and powerful. It is such a great testimony to the world.
4. Tenderheartedness – To be tenderhearted is to have a soft heart. We aren’t born with soft heart, the Lord gave us one when we got saved. Back in my childhood days, there was a kitchen utensil called a tenderizer. It helped the cook soften the meat before cooking it. No ones likes tough meat. We want it to be tender. The same is true in life: we like to be around tender people with tender hearts.
5. Courtesy – To be courteous is to treat people with respect, kindness, and care. It comes across in both our words and tone, and especially in our actions. One large bank built their whole business model on the word courtesy.
We miss each other so much. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we haven’t met together as a church since March. What a great day it will be when we can gather together again. It is a good reminder how we should treat one another in the household of God and carry these principles into our own homes also: unity, compassion, love, tenderheartedness, and courtesy. Jesus displayed all these qualities toward the disciples while He was here on earth. He is our greatest example in character, conduct, and conversation.
Have a blessed day and be cognizant of how we treat one another. Stay safe and healthy.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 