Devotion: 1 Peter 3:8

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

As we draw closer to the end of the month it is beginning to feel like the same message each day. And while they are very similar and have much in common, they bear repeating as well as exploring the new additions.

In today’s verse, the Apostle Peter reminds us of all of the ways we can show kindness to others. He was not talking about our actions towards others in general, though that is important as well, but our response to fellow believers. We are to be like-minded, which tells us we are talking about fellow believers because we are to be of the same mindset. When we are of the same mindset as others, we can walk alongside them and bear one another’s burdens, having the same foundational beliefs.

He then goes on to tell us we are to be sympathetic. Too often we don’t pay much attention to sympathy. We focus on being kind, loving others, and serving, but do we stop to really ask them how they are doing and then show sympathy? Do we really walk alongside them as we mentioned previously, actually supporting them and showing sympathy and compassion? Too many of our interactions with others are surface level. We don’t try to dig much deeper because it crosses into a territory of emotion that we aren’t always comfortable with. But as believers it is ok for us to step outside of the comfort zone when it comes to our fellow brothers and sisters. We NEED to learn to step outside of that comfort zone and embrace one another as someone who truly sympathizes and has compassion for each other.

We also see love and compassion included in Peter’s list, which we have explored before. But humility is also included in this list. We are to be humble. We are not to go about living a life that screams “Look at me!” We are to remember that we do everything with kindness and humbleness. It is not about us. It is about Him and He alone should be the focus of all we do.

Today let’s pause to think about being real with one another. Be honest, be humble, and be real when sharing with your fellow brethren. And be sympathetic where needed, and compassionate when walking alongside them. And over it all, be kind.

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