{"id":18,"date":"2020-09-20T21:50:42","date_gmt":"2020-09-20T21:50:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/?p=18"},"modified":"2026-09-19T16:54:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T20:54:37","slug":"1-peter-38-9-how-christians-must-live-differently-one-mind-blessing-humility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/1-peter-38-9-how-christians-must-live-differently-one-mind-blessing-humility\/","title":{"rendered":"1 Peter 3:8-9: How Christians Must Live Differently | One Mind, Blessing, Humility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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1 Peter 3:8-9 (NASB)
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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Being a Christian requires a different way of reacting to the world and the people around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be of One Mind Through God\u2019s Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For the Christian, we are called to be of \u201cone mind.\u201d That only happens when we know God\u2019s Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible is what God has given us to reveal His will. Reading Scripture is as essential to the believer as breathing is to the body. Without it we lack the nourishment needed to grow in faith or bear the fruit He desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Matthew 4:4 (NASB)
But He answered and said, \u201cIt is written, \u2018Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

We need food for our bodies. We need the Word of God for our souls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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John 15:4-8 (NASB)
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The common thirst among true believers should be a hunger for God\u2019s Word. If that desire is missing, get on your knees and ask Him to give it to you today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sympathize With Each Other<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We all struggle. We are called to help one another through those struggles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is easy to look at someone else\u2019s battle and think, \u201cThat\u2019s simple\u2014just do this.\u201d For the person in it, it is not simple. Their struggle is real, whether it looks easy to us or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we stay in God\u2019s Word, we can bring those struggles before His throne, meditate on Scripture, and trust the Spirit to change our hearts. As believers, we have the Creator of the universe dwelling in us. No challenge is too big for Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Tenderhearted and Keep a Humble Attitude<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is easy to see clearly when we are on the mountaintop. When trials come, everything gets foggy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are not in a trial right now, one is coming. Stay humble at all times so you can encourage others\u2014whether you are on the mountain or in the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Romans 1:12 (NASB)
that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other\u2019s faith, both yours and mine.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Do Not Repay Evil for Evil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We are not to react with hostility or retaliation, no matter what is done to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Romans 12:19 (NASB)
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, \u201cVengeance is Mine, I will repay,\u201d says the Lord.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Initiating evil or revenge is sin, and that sin will have consequences. Jesus paid the penalty on the cross, but we still reap what we sow in this life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The world needs more of this spirit right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pay Them Back With a Blessing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the opposite of the culture around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Matthew 5:43-48 (NASB)
You have heard that it was said, \u201cYou shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.\u201d But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Christians are called to live differently from what the world calls \u201cright.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God Has Called You to This\u2014and He Will Bless You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our blessing does not come from the world. It comes from God. Everything we have is by His grace. When we live in His will, He blesses that obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Psalm 119:2 (NASB)
How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Psalm 119:72 (NASB)
The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and Your promise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue to give me the desire to know You more through Scripture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank You for those You have placed in my life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help me serve the needs of those around me compassionately and humbly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heal our country and bring us back to Your will. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested Reading:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why Christians Still Struggle with Sin (and How to Break Free)<\/a><\/blockquote>