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Christian Conduct (1Pt. 3:8-12)

‘All of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing. For: “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep the tongue from evil and the lips from speaking deceit, must turn from evil and do good, seek peace and follow after it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against evildoers (1 Peter 3:8-12).”’

This epistle, assumed written by Peter, was addressed to pagan converts to Christianity living in the pagan world facing pagan hostility.  This passage described to them the ideal life a Christian should live.  The Christian way of life was understood by the Apostles and Paul who was considered the apostle to the Gentiles.  Peter echoed what Paul told the Romans, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord (Rom. 12:17-19).”  Christians are the heirs to the OT blessings, so they still apply (Gen. 49:25-26).  Peter quotes Psalms to end the passage; “Who is the man who delights in life, who loves to see the good days? Keep your tongue from evil, your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.  The eyes of the Lord are directed toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The Lord’s face is against evildoers to wipe out their memory from the earth (Ps. 34:13-17).”  

Almighty God, you showed your love for mankind when through the sacrifice of your Son you wiped away our transgressions and elevated us to a status greater than before the fall.  Grant that we my humbly serve you with unwavering commitment, and through your abundant mercy let the Holy Spirit purify our hearts and fill them with love and compassion for all.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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Reference:

Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.


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