Articles
By This All Men Will Know
All of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Pt. 3:8-9
Peter lists five key elements that should characterize any group of believers:
- Harmonious – being of the same mind and pursuing the same goals.
- Sympathetic – not just seeing the needs of your brethren, but being responsive to them.
- Brotherly – preferring and treating each other as a member of God’s family.
- Kindhearted – being sensitive while seeking to extend our compassion, affection and care toward one another.
- Humble In Spirit – selflessly and willingly encouraging and rejoicing with others in their successes without reservation.
If we are actively pursuing our Christian goal to help each other serve God more effectively, then these five qualities will go a long way in accomplishing that. Sometimes these qualities tire us just to think about them. We may ask… “Do you realize the concentrated effort these take?” “Isn’t it impossible to always be this thoughtful of person?” We would be fooling ourselves to think that we can ever be perfect in each of these qualities, but that shouldn’t prevent us or gives us reason for not “striving towards perfection.”
The more we grow spiritually as Christians the more we become like Christ and the easier it is to live out these qualities towards one another. On the other hand, what about those who look upon us? We do profess unadulterated Christianity… yes? If so, what impact does my lacking in these qualities convey to such a skeptical society of what true Christianity is? Likewise, is it possible for me to hinder the Gospel being spread due to this lacking? Do I care? Jesus said “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) Is there a difference in me today versus who I was before becoming a Christian? If so, what a difference God makes! AMEN! You are God’s witness to skeptical people. Let your life be evidence of God’s truth. Let your pride become humility and your insensitivity give way to genuine affection. “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” (Gal. 6:10)
In our fallen world, it is often deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. In verse nine of our passage above Peter, remembering Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), encourages his readers to pay back wrongs with a blessing. In God’s kingdom, revenge is unacceptable behavior, as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done. Rise above getting back at those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to these people, pray for them. All believers are coheirs of God’s promises, and He wants us to treat one another as we would treat Him. When we do not honor others, we undermine our proof about the Lord’s transformative love and salvation.
In Christian love – Andy
