Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will than to suffer for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:13-17

In our spiritual lives we are reminded to beware of walking according to our natural affinities. Everyone has natural affinities. Some people we will like and others we will not. We must never let those likes and dislikes rule our Christian life. If God is our light, God will give us communion with people for whom we would not naturally have an affinity.

It is natural to have likes and dislikes. But when we seek to honor the Lord in our relationships, compassion, love, humility, and kindness are the God-ordered, supernatural steps in dealing with incompatibility.

The way to preserve the peace of the church

is to promote the unity of it.

Our Daily Bread – December 29, 2004