1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
- “have unity of mind” What does this look like practically? Mark 12:30-31 tells us to “love God and others”. We can be unified in this through the Gospel. The Holy Spirit living in me will help me be unified with my brother and sister in Christ. Christ is the Unifier! Allow our “minds” to be transformed by God’s Word and to be renewed (Romans 12:2). Unity in Spirit as defined by His Word.
- “sympathy” not apathy. Am I sympathetic to the needs of others? “Love your neighbor as yourself” Mark 12:31 Or do I treat prayer requests and the plea for help with apathy?
- “brotherly love” Do I trust my brothers and sisters in Christ with tender family-like love? How do I look at sisters in Christ? How do I treat them? As objects or precious sisters created in God’s image for His glory?
- “a tender heart”. Am I sensitive to those around me and to their needs? Does my heart break when theirs does? Do I feel for them and hurt with them? Do I pray for them? Do I reach out to them?
- “a humble mind”. Do I consider others better than myself? Am I looking for man’s approval? Am I satisfied with God’s approval even when the world does not acknowledge me?
Prayer: Father help me grow in these qualities. Help me be an asset to my church and not a liability. Help me contribute to the unity of the church and express humble love and service to my brothers and sisters in Your family. Help me be a blessing to those around me so that I will reflect Your love and compassion. Help me be satisfied with You alone being glorified in my life.