Read 1 Peter 3:8-12, Church Life

Of the 16 Epistles in the New Testament written to assemblies of believers all but one deals with the issue of like-mindedness.  How we live together as believers is critical in terms of honorable conduct before a watching world, just as our conduct in society, at work and in the home.  The unity of believers is so crucial we are told to: Pray for it, Rom. 15:5-6; point for it, Phil. 1:27; plan for it, Acts 6:1-6; preach for it, 1 Cor. 1:10; Phil. 4:2; prune for it, Titus 3:9-11; Rom. 16:17f; 3 John 9-10; and practice it, Eph. 4:2-3; Phil. 2:1-11;Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 3:1-4; 1 Peter 3:8-12.

In our passage the basic truth is all of one mind (v8a).  Doing this is by six actions (v8b-9).  The reason for this comes in a quote from the OT (v10-12). 

The NT often speaks of one mind.  But this is the only place where this particular Greek term is used.  The emphasis is on both the heart and the mind.  Thus the AV translation harmony is quite good.  It is the attitude or heart of the mind that is of concern.  And note: this is not a verb and thus not a command.  Peter is building on 1:22: since sincere love of the brethren is part of the pure heart we received when we were born again, we should therefore love one another fervently with a pure heart.  Love from a pure heart will have this harmony (one mind).  That is why the end of 3:9 reminds us that we were called to this (1:22) that you may inherit a blessing (1:3-4).

Six actions will help us live out this harmony to which we were called.

1.     Having compassion for one another: This means we feel or suffer with someone; we share their passions, as Christ does ours (Heb. 4:15).  What a great place to begin: not judging others but willing to walk with them through deep waters.

2.     Love as brothers: Brotherly love emphasizes friendship with people, a willingness to share common interests.

3.     Be tenderhearted: This is care that comes from deep inside.  It is having a good heart for someone, desiring their best.  Eph. 4:32 associates this with forgiveness.

4.     Be courteous: Literally this is being lowly in mind, a humility term.  Not lording it over others we instead are patient, not concerned with our own exaltation.

5.     Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling: Jesus did this in His greatest hour of suffering (2:23).  We must let God be in charge of revenge (Rom. 12:19).

6.     But on the contrary blessing: We not only lay aside revenge; we take up a blessing.  Jesus taught this in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5:11-12).  The Greek is eulogeo from which we get eulogy; we speak well of others, even our persecutors.

The quote (3:10-12) is from Psa. 34:12-16 and is a perfect context. For one thing the Psalmist is encouraging peaceful words and relationships as is Peter.  But in addition, Ps. 34:11 begins by saying I will teach you the fear of the LORD; we also fear the Lord (1 Pt, 1:17).  Verse 12 reminds us that God is fully aware of us and our situation.  He is for the righteous and against the wicked.  In other words we are to live in this harmonious fashion because we fear the Lord; and the Lord promises a life that is to be loved for all who follow this path.  Amen!  May it be so with us!!