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Unity

My job is to be a blessing. Being agreeable is a key to blessing others. The ability to agree with our Father and others can move mountains. That positive force of the Holy Spirit moves us all in agreement.

Here is a list of characteristics I should cultivate:

  • Agreeable
  • Sympathetic
  • Loving
  • Compassionate
  • Humility

May I know what our Father wants and agree with Him. May I bless others with my Father enabled agreeableness!!!

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing[1]

1 Peter 3:8-9

In a world often marked by division and discord, the timeless wisdom of the Scriptures shines as a beacon of hope and guidance. These words from 1 Peter 3:8-9 encapsulate a profound call to believers, a call to cultivate a spirit of unity, compassion, love, humility, and blessing. As disciples of Jesus, we are not only recipients of His grace but also vessels through which the power of the Holy Spirit can flow, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us.

Unity of Mind and Sympathy: Unity is not just a superficial agreement, but a harmonious alignment of hearts and minds. As followers of the Messiah, we are encouraged to have unity of mind, transcending differences and focusing on our shared faith. This unity is not forced conformity but a beautiful symphony of diverse individuals pursuing a common purpose. Sympathy, too, plays a pivotal role. It is a reminder to be sensitive to the joys and struggles of our fellow believers, standing alongside them in solidarity.

Brotherly Love and a Tender Heart: The call to brotherly love carries with it the essence of familial connection. We are part of a spiritual family, bonded by our faith in the Messiah. This love extends beyond the surface, rooted in the understanding that we are all created in the image of God. It is a love that’s willing to sacrifice, support, and encourage. Coupled with a tender heart, this love becomes genuine and authentic, fostering an environment of trust and vulnerability.

A Humble Mind and Blessing: Humbling ourselves aligns us with the heart of the Messiah, who washed His disciples’ feet as a sign of servanthood. A humble mind recognizes our dependence on God’s grace and seeks to exalt others above ourselves. In a world that often values pride and self-promotion, humility stands as a counter-cultural virtue, drawing people closer to the message of Christ’s love.

  • The transformative power of this passage is encapsulated in the exhortation to bless rather than repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling.
  • It is easy to react in kind when faced with negativity, but as believers, we are called to rise above such responses.
  • Blessing those who mistreat us is a testament to the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit within us.
  • It defies human logic and highlights the grace-filled nature of God’s kingdom.

The Holy Spirit’s Guidance: As disciples of Jesus, we are not left to fulfill this calling in our own strength. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Advocate, empowers and equips us. When we yield to the Spirit’s guidance, we tap into a wellspring of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It is through the Holy Spirit’s work that we are able to embody unity, love, humility, and blessing in our interactions with others.

In a world that often emphasizes division and retaliation, the words of Peter stand as a radiant reminder of our calling as followers of the Messiah. As we walk in unity, compassion, love, humility, and blessing, we reflect the very heart of our Savior. The power of the Holy Spirit within us enables us to live out these virtues, drawing others to the transformative grace of the Messiah. Let us embrace this divine call, allowing the Spirit to mold us into instruments of unity and sources of blessing in a world longing for hope and healing.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 3:8–9.