All…
As i read this, i think about how i have treated my co-workers at the church… As co-workers not as brothers and sisters. Then i realized that the first place i thought about was work, maybe because brothers and sisters was plural and i my mind went immediately to larger group. But I realized my world i compartmentalized, not to mention i don’t treat my brothers and sisters around me as brothers and sisters.“Love each other as brothers and sisters”
Above this the verse speaks of being one minded with other Christians “All Christians” and sympathizing with them. I look up sympathize in the dictionary and find according to Webster it means 1.to be in keeping, accord, or harmony. 2.to react or respond in sympathy 3.to share in suffering or grief with a friend in trouble.
Then Peter talks about not retaliating or insulting because you are insulted, and he says not to do that, but rather pay people back with blessings, God has called us to do that, I realize that My world has been upside down I have been treating my wife unfairly, and those I am around as co-workers(instead of LOVING as brothers and sisters) I have been unsympathetic (instead of sympathizing) as far as like mindedness i’m not sure but i am sure i haven’t been like minded very much when i should be.
The Scriptures say… If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the lord turns his face against those who do evil.
as i read this i think and remember that i am incapable of doing that which is right on my own, I can’t, my “good deeds are like filthy rags” (trying to wipe my sin off to make me look better.) I have been relying upon my own righteousness instead of the Father God and Lord Jesus’. He has cleansed me and given me a new heart and the Holy Spirit to live in me, all this it seems i know but i stray so easily and get distracted by the wind and storm, all the things and busy-ness that is going on around me my busy-ness and not the Lords will and work. I know that the Lord will complete the good work he started in me, I believe this. I ask Him for the strength to repent from how i was living because i can not repent and turn away from the past unless the Lord strengthens me to do so. I am willing to be willing. Lord if You are willing allow me to turn from this to Your Truth.
