“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” – 1 Peter 3:8
Peter’s “finally” is a surprisingly difficult thing to pursue and all too rarely achieved (or desired). Even for people who should always remember that they’ve been saved from their sins and God’s wrath purely as a gift of grace they absolutely don’t deserve! And yet, this is exactly the mindset that every believer in Jesus should be trying to develop and live by. This is the mindset with which we should be dealing with the world and each other. Are you?
In Christ, we should all be cultivating minds far more concerned with unity than getting our way. Minds filled with sympathy and compassion rather than condemnation. Practicing brotherly love rather than brotherly rivalry. Tender in heart rather than hardened and cynical at heart. Humble rather than proud. Concerned with others more than self. Seeking to glorify God, first and foremost.
In which of these qualities are you strong and healthy in Christ? In which are you weak and very unlike Jesus? Jesus had all these qualities and His Spirit will gladly develop them in you, if you’re willing to let Him do so. Draw near to Jesus, take up your cross daily, and #FollowJesus