ATTITUDES ARE IMPORTANT. 1st Peter 3:8-9 There are five key attitudes we should hold as believers. Oneness of mind means believers share a common purpose to glorify God. This does not mean we agree on everything, but that, in harmony with our brothers and sisters, we share the same objective. Compassion, a sympathetic response to others' needs and feelings, moves me to meet those needs as best I can. In the family of God, love for our brothers and sisters leads me to demonstrate that love by helping, encouraging, and supporting them. "Pitiful" describes a tender-hearted person who is sensitive to others and whose compassion moves me to care for them. This inner affection is not a calculating attitude but is spontaneous by nature. Courtesy is the Christ-like attitude of humility. When another person has success, I rejoice with them and encourage them to go further. A humble mind is gentle and understanding toward others. All of these qualities are seen in Christ, and it is our purpose in life to reflect Him.
This is possible only if I choose to consider my brothers’ opinions and paths as important as my own statements, and to be of one mind with each of them. When I set aside my own concerns and open my eyes, I can notice when another’s problems arise, forget my own interests, and sympathize with him and show compassion.
It doesn’t mean I have to overdo it with other people, not even that I have to give so much. It is more important that I value them and try to keep in touch, showing Christian love. I don’t have to see everything as another friend might, but it is important that I express genuine empathy and, from a tender heart, show them they're important to me. My brothers and sisters deserve my respect. They are of great value, and when I pause to reflect, I find an appropriate way to express myself when we connect, so I am truly courteous to them.
I am to bless those who mistreat me and repay insults with kindness. God rewards this behavior with blessings. Persevere despite faithlessness, antagonism, malice, and evil speaking. How will it end if I can hurt him more than I can hurt myself? Through my evil retaliation, will God’s grace be easier for them to see? If he goes down in flames, will it make me a rising star? What will actually be accomplished? Will things be better than they are?
“He is quick with words, but I think I am much quicker. If she says one more word, so help me, I will blast her! Then everyone will know enough not to say a word to me – but it is strangely quiet here. We never see any company.” No, a thousand times! Never let it ever be said, “When he is done with you, you’ll be better off dead!” Do it the other way: when you are cursed, then you must bless; if you are railed against, don’t challenge or take offense. Act as the Lord Jesus did. He endured suffering and ridicule without saying a word in retaliation, because He turned the whole matter over to the One who judges righteously
Give others a blessing, and one day it will come to you. Always commit to graciousness; eschew retaliation. When blessed, others will be glad to see you come their way. In conversation, they will listen to what you say. The overriding principle in fellowship is peace. Others will take heed then, when you exemplify God’s grace. You and I will find that, when in happy fellowship with each other, God can bless us both when we joy in one another.
Animals "render evil for evil." That is in their nature. Getting even with those who oppose you and taking vengeance are considered by the world to be signs of strength. The strength of character in a believer is exemplified in our Lord, who "when He was reviled, reviled not again." Railing means one is being insulted. The believer is called upon to respond by blessing, not to just suffer in silence. Such a blessing brings light that drives away darkness. It allows us to minister grace for the benefit of others, whether through acts of mercy or prayers of intercession.