Ep 350 – 1 Peter 3:8-12

In 1 Peter 3:8-12, Peter begins to wrap up his thoughts regarding the believer's behavior toward the various relationships in their life. He has been specific, now he gets a bit more generic, calling all believers to bless one another. But what does that even mean? Is it as simple as saying, "Bless you" to someone else? Probably not. While there is certainly nothing wrong with those two words, Peter's point seems to be focused on the heart behind the words. While we can use our tongues to say good things to or about others, we can also use them to curse.  But just because we choose NOT to curse doesn't make us godly. And neither does saying good things. The real issue Peter is dealing with is the condition of our heart. Do we really love others? When we express love for them, is it coming from within or are our words a sham, a righteous-sounding, reputation-building attempt to come across as Christ-like? If we have been chosen by God, adopted into His family, made heirs of His Kingdom, appointed as priests, and filled with His Spirit, do we live like it? If the answer is yes, then do we bless like it? Peter flatly states that we were called that we might bless and be a blessing. And one of the primary ways we do this is through the use of our words.