Be all of one mind, sympathizing, full of brotherly love, tender-hearted, humble-minded; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but on the contrary blessing others.
1 Peter 3:8.9. (J.N.D)
From the birth of Christianity the Church of God has been composed of believers of many different nations and languages. These Christians of varied ethnic, social and cultural origins that kept them separate were called upon to live together in their assemblies.
United in their common Lord and Saviour by the Holy Spirit, they loved Him, obeyed Him and portrayed His characteristics. The apostle Peter encouraged them to lead their lives in practice as follows: “Be all of one mind,” the mind that characterized the Lord when He was on earth, forgetting Himself so as to serve others (cf. Philippians 2:1-8).
Be “sympathetic, full of brotherly love, tender hearted”. This is the practical outflow of love, sensing the problems of others, so as to be able to help everyone.
Be “humble-minded”, remembering that you yourselves owe all to God’s grace. “Not rendering evil for evil”; Christ’s disciple follows his Master’s example, who, “when he was reviled, did not revile in return, when he suffered he did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23).
The apostle Paul also sets out similar exhortations: “Put on love, which is the bond of perfection” and adds “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:14.16).
Christian friends, do we wish to show the Saviour how much we love Him by practising love and obedience in this way?