Tag Archives: book of 1 Peter

December 10
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (2) Showing sympathy for each other.

“Sympathy is two hearts tugging at one load,” wrote American clergyman Charles Henry Parkhurst (1842-1933).

Sometimes, sympathy requires time, because the need of the moment may be an open ear to a long story. Sometimes, sympathy requires presence, because the need of the moment may be physical evidence that they have not been abandoned. Sometimes, sympathy requires that we share our treasure, because the need of the moment may be shelter, food, or warm clothing.

Few of us will really know the pain or the suffering that others endure, but any one of us can stand with others in their suffering and pain.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
December 9
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

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

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (1) Having the same values and goals (like-minded).  As both scripture (Mark 3:25, Matthew 12:25, Luke 11:17) and and Abraham Lincoln (1858) have said: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Getting on the same “wave-length” as others can be very difficult, but we must persist because achieving and maintaining like-mindedness is essential in any task or endeavor where we must cooperate with others.

Taking the time to imagine what it would be like to live in someone else’s shoes (empathy) opens the door to like-mindedness.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
December 7
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

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

Whether in the natural human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success (defined as peace and harmony within the family) depends on:

1. Having the same values and goals (like-minded)
2. Showing sympathy for each other
3. Displaying love for one another
4. Showing compassion
5. Displaying humility in all things

Beginning Monday, we will address each in turn. For today, please consider the whole of 1 Peter 3:8, which was written to disciples that were attempting to live holy lives under extremely challenging circumstances.

Peter’s letters remind us that we are never alone in our trials; and that God always provides us with the grace — and the tools — to stand with integrity and with courage.  – Luther

REMINDER: “Daily Encouragement” will be on break, as is customary, on Sunday. Lord willing, see you again on Monday.  Have a great Sunday in worship!

Tagged ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →