Relationships in a Nutshell

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing

1 Peter 3:8

How much different would our families, our churches, our communities and our governments be if everyone followed the instructions in these verses?

Harmonious: if everyone got along, didn't pick fights and submitted to each other for the good of the whole.

Sympathetic: if we all gave sympathy instead of judgment.

Brotherly: if we all were willing to lend a hand, to give each other the benefit of the doubt.

Kindhearted: if we all practiced random acts of kindness and specific acts of kindness towards those we loved.

Humble: if we all esteemed each other better than ourselves. If we didn't fight to dominate and win.

Gave blessings for insults: if we blessed and honored those who insulted us.

Peter says that we are all called for this purpose, to live out these traits. This is the responsibility of Christians. I know that I need to practice these traits more than I do. I struggle to be sympathetic. I tend to judge instead. I don't always remember to be kind to strangers and those I love. Humility is something I need to grow in as well. I tend to feel that I've earned the blessings that God gave me. Of course I didn't earn them. So, I have no right to be proud of my accomplishments.

Lord, help me to take this passage to heart and put it to practice. Help me to live harmoniously, give sympathy, be brotherly, kindhearted and humble. Help me to return good for evil.