Today's Verse: 1 Peter 3:8

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
— 1 Peter 3:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Unity and harmony are no accident! They happen because of intention and submission. But more than just states of being, they are commanded by God. How do we have unity and harmony? Peter reminds we must have three commitments in our "church" lifestyle - 1) actively share the sorrows and concerns of those who grieve; 2) love each other just like a healthy family loves and values each member; and 3) show compassion rather than arrogance as we deal with the failures of others that hurt us, recognizing that we are vulnerable to sinning and hurting those we love, too.

My Prayer...

Father, I confess that I have let my own over-sensitive self be wounded and have reacted with pettiness when my brothers and sisters in Christ have not treated me as I felt I deserved. I know Jesus was treated so rudely and shamefully by those he created and so I shouldn't be surprised when things don't always go well for me. But Father, please help me to know when to challenge those who wound me with a loving confrontation and when to just ignore the barb and find a way to minister to them because of some deeper wound has crippled them in their life. Father, let me be an instrument of your peace, harmony, grace, and unity. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Welcome to Harmony
Illustration of 1 Peter 3:8
Inspirational illustration of 1 Peter 3:8 -- Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Love Is Not a Brick
Article by Rubel Shelly
Who would go first among the religions in showing honor to the other? Rubel Shelly talks about world religions, love, respect, honor, and violence.
Unjust Suffering
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Life sometimes is not fair. If you have any doubts about that, just remember what you celebrate when you take part in Communion. My..."
Our Healing Strength
Article by Phillip Morrison
How do we look beyond the horizon of our own earth-bound circumstances? Phillip Morrison writes about the weather in Texas and the reminder that we need to look beyond the horizon of our own circumstance and remember the promise, hope, redemption, and healing of God.

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Peter 3:8 — Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, September 13, 2014

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'God is Not a Man' (Nu. 23:19)
"God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Blessed When Insulted' (1 Pe. 4:14)
"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'God Makes Himself Available in Jesus' (Jn. 5:1-3)
"Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Ephesians 3:19
"The love of Christ in its sweetness, its fulness, its greatness, its faithfulness, passeth all human comprehension. Where shall language be found..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse