Live Together In Peace
Finally,
I want all of you to live together in peace. Be understanding. Love one another
like members of the same family. Be kind and tender. Don't be proud. Don't pay
back evil with evil. Don't pay back unkind words with unkind words. Instead,
pay them back with kind words. That's what you have been chosen to do. You can
receive a blessing by doing it.
Scripture says,
"Do you want to love life and see good days? Then keep your tongues from
speaking evil. Keep your lips from telling lies.
Turn away from evil,
and do good. Look for peace, and go after it. The
Lord's eyes look with favor on those who are godly. His ears are open to their
prayers. But the Lord doesn't look with favor on those who do evil." —(Psalm 34:12-16)
Who is going to hurt
you if you really want to do good? But suppose you
suffer for doing what is right. Then you will be blessed. Scripture also says,
"Don't fear what others fear. Don't be afraid."—(Isaiah
8:12)
But make sure in your
hearts that Christ is Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who
asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it
gently and with respect.
Live so that you
don't have to feel you've done anything wrong. Some people may say evil things
about your good conduct as believers in Christ. If they do, they will be put to
shame for speaking like that about you. It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil if that's what God wants.
1 Peter
3:8-17
We all have a kingdom
of the heart where we decide who will rule. There is something within each of
us that longs to be in control of our lives. It may be only a small corner
where we assert our spiritual independence and answer to no one but ourselves.
But true freedom
comes when we allow Christ to rule our hearts.
When
Christ rules in our heart our feet will walk in His ways.
Our Daily Bread –