Relating to Another in Hope

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9, ESV) We all know the "Golden Rule," right? Treat others the way you want to be treated. We expect kindness in exchange for kindness. We expect our gestures of good will to be returned. But what happens when they aren't? What happens when they are met with disdain and disgust? How will we respond? If you have felt left out the last two weeks because you are not a servant (everyone is by the way) or a spouse, then this week is for you. Peter turns his attention to everyone. He wants us to examine how we respond to people within and outside the church, and especially those that are adversarial to the faith. If you have trouble "loving your enemies" (and we all do), then this week is for you. Take some time to read through the remainder of 1 Peter 3 to get a preview of this coming week. Then, I want to challenge you to write down and bring with you the names of a few people that you consider your enemies.